a cultural, environmental and scientific open approach to fortified heritage
VENICE - FORTE MARGHERA | 15-16 September 2022
"Frontier places and European cooperation". This theme, which has an important historical and commemorative value, is also important in future cultural and social cooperation, not only between European countries. We think that border areas, which with their fortified systems over the course of history have divided countries and communities, should become the new European cultural corridors and meeting spaces for young Europeans, to raise awareness of common cultural values. The common European historical heritage could encourage shared actions in which the various territories recognise themselves in the common European identity. Fortified systems can become the connecting elements of exchange and collaboration in order to promote a balanced cultural and social development of the communities to be increasingly integrated into the European unification process.
(F. Meneghelli)
In Europe, one fortress network exists: EFFORTS with FORTE CULTURA, with both operating closely together. They have already jointly initiated programs and projects and, tools have been created to strengthen, preserve and develop and make the cultural heritage of fortified monuments in Europe accessible to a broad public. These include, for example, the FORTE CULTURA Cultural Route of Fortified Monuments, the European Fortress Summer and EFFORTS AWARD, as well as the Joint Scientific Committee of both networks with the EFFORTS Fortification Heritage Knowledge Centre at Forte Marghera in Venice. Numerous events have disseminated important knowledge on fortification construction, fortification history, marketing and tourism development in forts, project development or successful management models, and highlighted the great need for transnational exchange of expertise as one of the most important basics for the preservation and sustainable use of fortified heritage.
The conference pursues the following goals:
- Challenges and best practices for the cultural heritage of fortified monuments
- Establishment of the Joint Scientific Committee as an expert group on the cultural heritage of fortified monuments:
Presentation of its mission and vision, preparation of the fortified sites and partners for the major challenges for the fortified heritage (Green Deal, digitalisation, social inclusion, etc.) and agreement on a joint work programme for the following areas:
- Inventory and building research
- Restoration and preservation, conversion and sustainable use
- EHL and World Heritage nomination
- Urban and regional development
- Tourism development and implementation
- Climate change and sustainability
- Discussion of funding possibilities for the work of the expert group (e.g. ERASMUS+, cross-border cooperation, etc.)
- EFFORTS Fortified Heritage Knowledge Center project preparation, e.g. Fortified Heritage Impact Study; student projects, etc.
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