HERITΛGE 2024: A Year of Milestones in Global Heritage Preservation

2024 marked a historic year for HERITΛGE, as the organization reached unprecedented heights in its mission to safeguard cultural heritage worldwide. Over 1,000 heritage caretakers were trained in a single year, reflecting HERITΛGE’s unwavering commitment to empowering those who protect our shared past. Participants engaged in diverse programs ranging from workshops to summer schools, covering topics like digital tools, community engagement, and project management.

Expanding Global Reach

HERITΛGE’s initiatives spanned the globe in 2024, addressing pressing heritage challenges in regions experiencing conflict, climate change, and rapid development. Highlights included:
• The Gambia: A street art workshop culminated in a vibrant mural for the National Centre for the Arts and Culture, enriching the cultural landscape.
• Rwanda: Training in heritage interpretation fostered deeper connections between communities and their histories.
• United States: Heritage managers benefited from project management training tailored to local challenges.
• Iraq: Programs introduced fundraising and management strategies to preserve heritage under threat.

Preserving Heritage in Crisis

In Ukraine, HERITΛGE played a pivotal role in safeguarding cultural treasures amid war. The Digital Museum project, funded by Creative Europe’s Culture Helps initiative, equipped museum professionals with digital tools to ensure community access and operational continuity. Simultaneously, the Architecture in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model project, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, empowered students and educators to document and restore architectural heritage.

HERITΛGE also published comprehensive reports on historic sites impacted by the devastating 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes, offering actionable recommendations for recovery. In Pakistan’s Swat Valley, efforts were launched to protect early Buddhist heritage endangered by conflict and climate change, while Yemen’s iconic Shibam received continued support for preserving its unique earthen architecture amidst a prolonged civil war.

Empowering Africa’s Heritage

The HerMaP Africa initiative, generously funded by the Mellon Foundation, provided transformative support to over 75 heritage projects. Training programs reached more than 370 heritage managers across Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda, while partnerships strengthened efforts in The Gambia. Notably, the launch of the country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Register, supported by UNESCO, underscored HERITΛGE’s commitment to preserving Africa’s cultural diversity.

Innovation and Collaboration

HERITΛGE harnessed innovation to make heritage more accessible and inclusive. The EU-funded SHIFT project and the AHEAD initiative introduced groundbreaking tools, including seminars and artistic community projects in Crete, with similar programs planned for Italy and Spain. Meanwhile, the launch of EMPATHS marked a significant step in participatory heritage interpretation, equipping managers with new resources to engage communities effectively.

HERITΛGE’s collaborative efforts included the establishment of Greece’s Living Heritage Network and the AHEAD Network, fostering connections between heritage professionals and community members dedicated to audience engagement.

Sharing Knowledge on Global Stages

HERITΛGE’s expertise reached global audiences in 2024. Director Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis delivered a keynote at Ghana’s Choc Des Legendes Conference, under the auspices of the First Lady, while the organization sponsored PastForward 2024, the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual conference. Workshops and presentations at the European Association of Archaeologists’ 30th Annual Meeting and Hungary’s ReImagining Public Collections conference further highlighted HERITΛGE’s thought leadership.

The organization also contributed to a Horizon Europe-funded policy brief on digital cultural heritage, hosted webinars on architectural preservation in Ukraine, and shared audience development insights from the AHEAD initiative.

A Year of Growth and Unity

Reflecting its expanding impact, HERITΛGE held its inaugural Global Staff Summit in September, bringing together team members from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This milestone event set the foundation for an annual tradition of collaboration and alignment across its growing network.

As HERITΛGE looks toward the future, its 2024 achievements stand as a testament to its dedication to preserving the world’s heritage, even in the face of adversity.

Quotes and Data to Consider Adding:
• On training over 1,000 caretakers:
“Training is the backbone of safeguarding heritage. By equipping over 1,000 caretakers with essential skills in 2024, we are ensuring that the stories of our past will endure for future generations.” — Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis, Director of HERITΛGE.
• Scientific data:
• A UNESCO report estimates that 60% of global cultural heritage sites are under threat from climate change, underscoring the urgency of HERITΛGE’s work in Pakistan and Yemen.
• The 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes impacted over 5,000 historic sites, making HERITΛGE’s recovery recommendations vital for long-term preservation.