The PRONACUL project’s International Networking Conference, organized by Ilia Chamber and held online on March 22nd, 2023, at 10:00 – 12:00 CET, was a huge success, attracting attendees from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of heritage managers, conservationists, researchers, policymakers and industry professionals.
The conference aimed to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in the fields of cultural and natural heritage management, as well as to encourage international cooperation and dialogue on the best practices for preserving and promoting the world’s precious heritage.
During the conference, participants engaged in a variety of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics such as sustainable heritage tourism, local community engagement, digital documentation, and climate change adaptation strategies. Experts shared insights and experiences from various case studies, showcasing the latest trends and advancements in heritage management.
The conference began with welcomes from Mr. Konstantinos Nikouloutsos, President of Ilia Chamber, and was followed by a presentation from Mr. Jimmy Jamar, Head of Europa Nostra’s Brussels Office, on the theme of putting Europe’s shared legacy at the heart of the European Plan Green Deal.
Ms. Anna Grazia Laura, President of ENAT – European Network for Accessible Tourism, presented on Cultural Routes and Inclusion, while Ms. Myrovali Glykeria, Research Associate in CERTH/HIT, presented on ADRION Sub-cluster N.3 on Innovation and ADRION Branding activities.
Moving on to the technical side of things, Mr. Andraž Malovrh, Regional Development Agency Zasavje (Lead partner of the project), elaborated on the project’s goals and vision, whereas Mr. Nemanja Tomić, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, and Mr. Dimitrios Bakalis, Ilia Chamber, discussed the project’s Common Methodology and Virtual Chamber – Plattform respectively.
Ms. Carolina Clark, European Institute of Cultural Routes, concluded the meeting with a presentation on the Criteria for Certification of European Routes of Cultural Heritage, which sparked a lively discussion among the panelists and the audience.