The focus of this theme is on the role of cultural heritage in promoting ecological sustainability. Cultural heritage knowledge and skills also offer alternatives to other sectors in the form of scalable good practices in contexts such as mitigating the loss of species or the efforts to combat global warming. Traditional knowledge and skills support a sustainable way of living, and responsible management of cultural environments promotes a low-carbon future. However, it is important to recognise that cultural heritage also involves unsustainable practices. Critically examining them can help avoid past mistakes and enable the discovery of viable, sustainable solutions for the future.
2.1. Cultural heritage knowledge and skills contribute to speeding up the transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle
- Cultural heritage actors will promote a sustainable way of life by taking advantage of research information in their activities and by transmitting cultural heritage knowledge and skills.
- Knowledge of the cultural heritage of different groups and of ethical issues related to cultural heritage will be reinforced.
2.2. Cultural environments are used and managed in a sustainable manner
- Ways to increase the utilisation rate and develop the maintenance of underused building stock, especially of built heritage sites, will be surveyed.
- Repair concepts that take into account low carbon, the circular economy and the characteristics of buildings will be developed.
- The management and importance of traditional rural biotopes and other cultural landscapes will be strengthened.
- The protection of archaeological cultural heritage and the preservation of the built environment will be strengthened by developing sustainable management of the sites and the monitoring of the effects of climate change.
2.3. Cultural heritage sector actors are paving the way to low-carbon and sustainable activities
- The points of view of sustainability will be taken into account in the policy measures and financing instruments of the cultural heritage sector.
- Indicators expressing ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability are created and introduced in the cultural heritage sector.
- Cultural heritage sector actors will direct their activities in a goal-oriented manner to reinforcing sustainable development and take into account solutions related to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and to the circular economy in their activities.
2.4. Cultural heritage values, natural values and ecological sustainability objectives have been reconciled
- Cooperation between different sectors such as protecting the natural and cultural heritage will be increased, for example, in the compatibility of shared, anticipatory plans and data resources.
- Multidisciplinary research programmes will be promoted.
2.5. Cultural heritage values and the solutions they offer have been taken into account in climate policy
- Cultural heritage shall be included in the plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- When climate change policies are planned, the effects are assessed from the point of view of cultural heritage.
- The effects of climate change on intangible and tangible cultural heritage and the cultural environment are monitored.
- The international measures and cooperation in fostering cultural heritage are strengthened in relation to climate change and sustainable development.