ProteCHt2save - Strench

The Risk Mapping Tool for Cultural Heritage Protection (WGT) has evolved continuously, growing from a foundational assessment tool into a specialized, integrated platform through the support of a series of European projects and National and regional initiatives.

Phase 1: Establishing the Foundation (Interreg CE ProteCHt2save)

The WGT was initially designed and implemented during the ProteCHt2save project (2017-2020). This foundational work aimed to assist policymakers in Central Europe by identifying risk areas and vulnerabilities for Cultural Heritage (CH) exposed to extreme events.

The first WGT version produced high-resolution risk maps based on 27 ETCCDI indices, focusing on fundamental hazards such as heavy rain, flooding, drought, and extreme heating.

Phase 2: Integration and Expansion (Interreg CE STRENCH and National Research Projects)

Building immediately upon this foundation, the STRENCH project (2020-2022), developed an upgraded WGT, significantly expanding its scope.

This phase integrated Copernicus services (Earth observation data and C3S reanalyses) to generate hazard maps and align CH protection strategies with the 4 Priorities of the Sendai Framework. Crucially, STRENCH broadened the analysis to include new natural hazards (flash floods, windstorms, and landslides) and new categories of CH (cultural landscapes, archaeological sites).

National Support Initiatives: Starting in 2022, the activities implemented in the framework of the Piano di Monitoraggio Straordinario dei Beni Culturali (Extraordinary Monitoring Plan for Cultural Heritage) provided specific and detailed technical analyses on several Italian case studies. From 2023, the PNRR projects CHANGES and ECOSISTER were also involved, contributing complementary expertise to further support the tool's ongoing application and refinement.

Phase 3: Specialization and Integrated Management (Interreg CE INACO)

The WGT is currently undergoing a further, highly specialized upgrade within the ongoing INACO project (2024-2026). This phase addresses a specific, highly challenging research objective by focusing on improving the resilience of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CNH) assets located within River Basin Districts (including river/seashore and lakeshores).

The goal is to move beyond qualitative impacts assessment by developing integrated WebGIS-based solutions, new vulnerability assessment tools, and formal Risk Management Plans tailored for CNH sites facing complex hydro-meteorological hazards in these key areas.