Preserving Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict: Training Course Focuses on Protection of Intangible Heritage

In an important step towards safeguarding cultural heritage during times of armed conflict and the challenging post-conflict period, the Cyprus Security and Defence Academy (CSDA) and the Polish Naval Academy (AMW), in collaboration with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), recently organized a training course. This initiative, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, aimed to shed light on the importance of preserving intangible heritage amidst turmoil and its pivotal role in bolstering societal resilience.

 

On the occasion of this event, CyI Assoc. Prof. Sorin Hermon, in collaboration with Mr. Michalis Gabrielides, Chief Inspector & Head of the Office for Combating Illegal Possession and Trafficking of Antiquities at the Cyprus Police Headquarters, delivered a lecture titled “The contribution of digital technologies in a collaborative, cross-sectorial partnership for the Protection of intangible heritage in armed conflict and the post-conflict period”.

 

This lecture delved into the crucial role that digital technologies play in the protection of intangible heritage. In a world increasingly driven by technological advancements, leveraging digital tools and partnerships across sectors is vital for preserving cultural traditions and practices. Prof. Hermon's expertise focused on innovative approaches to safeguarding intangible heritage, even in the most challenging circumstances.

 

The training course was held in Larnaca from September 19 to 22, 2023, and primarily targeted personnel from European Union institutions, relevant organizations, and Member States who are actively involved in crisis and conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict stabilization and recovery.

 

Intangible heritage has a significant impact on local societal resilience in the face of current and future conventional and hybrid conflicts. The course aimed to establish the connection between intangible heritage and social resilience during crises, armed conflicts, and in post-conflict regions.

 

The event brought together experts, diplomats, civilian authorities, senior-ranking military officers, and border guard staff, all dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage in times of conflict, and was supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in Cyprus, and the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO.