CHeriSH coastal heritage and safeguards against hazards

Abstract

CHeriSH develops a strategy for risk assessment of coastal cultural heritage towards climate hazards and impacts through structural vulnerability and cultural significance analysis. The strategy assesses exposed coastal landscapes and hazards, the impacts on heritage assets and the vulnerabilities within a multi-risk environment. The proposed strategy is divided into three stages: i) a qualitative analysis of cultural significance and mapping of hazard impacts and vulnerabilities, ii) quantification and rating of cultural significance and vulnerabilities, together with a multi-hazard comparative risk analysis and iii) a heritage ‘risk to value’ assessment where risk and cultural significance are superimposed. The objective of CHeriSH is to support policymakers in their assessment and management of the vulnerabilities, risks, and cultural significance of exposed coastal heritage assets. The results are compiled in a Certificate of Vulnerability, summarising the hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposures with numerical values and colour codes. It will include the Heritage ‘Risk to Value’ Map, cross-referencing cultural significance with risk factors and providing recommendations for targeted preservation strategies, preventive conservation, and monitoring. The results will support policymakers in resource allocation, assessing and managing the vulnerabilities, and informing targeted preservation and adaptation strategies. The framework is being co-designed with key entities and policy-makers to ensure that it will serve their needs and challenges. As part of Climate-MATCH (TSI-2023-COMMONCOAST 101145916), funded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support following a request from the Public Works Department of the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, and the Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate Change.