NEWS

HERO Project: A commitment to an inclusive and sustainable Europe in heritage restoration

20 January 2025 • NEWS

At the end of 2024, the HERO project, a pioneering Erasmus+ initiative in the field of heritage restoration, concluded. Coordinated by Groupe SOS associations ACTA VISTA in collaboration with BAO Formation and three European partners—Boulouki in Greece, Dragodid in Croatia, and Pour La Solidarité in Belgium—this milestone marked the culmination of three years of efforts aimed at advancing training methods in heritage restoration to address current social and environmental challenges.

A project for inclusion and sustainability at the heart of heritage training

The HERO project, Heritage Ecological Restoration for Inclusion Opportunities, was designed to test and refine training methods in the restoration of built heritage. This strategic Erasmus+ partnership primarily focused on integrating individuals facing precarity and promoting ecological practices in heritage restoration. Its mission was to create training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups while adopting environmentally friendly practices.

A closing conference, themed “Heritage for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Europe”, brought together various European heritage stakeholders, including training organisations, public institutions, researchers, and European policy experts. The event showcased inspiring and innovative examples aligned with the New European Bauhaus initiative, which advocates for a greener, more inclusive, and more sustainable Europe.

Key Reflections: Heritage, Ecology, and Inclusion

During the conference, several key themes were explored:

1. Social inclusion and employability through training: Heritage restoration training plays a critical role in providing professional opportunities to those distant from the job market. French partners ACTA VISTA and BAO Formation presented their respective models. ACTA VISTA offers social reintegration programmes for individuals in precarious situations through heritage restoration projects, while BAO Formation provides certified training in masonry and traditional construction for disadvantaged groups.

2. Transmission of traditional skills: Preserving local skills and knowledge is essential for authentic heritage restoration. In Greece, Boulouki works to safeguard artisanal techniques by passing them on to younger generations of architects and engineers. In Croatia, Dragodid focuses on preserving the dry-stone construction tradition through volunteer workshops and events for practitioners and researchers.

3. Reducing carbon footprints and promoting ecological practices: The construction sector, including heritage restoration, contributes significantly to carbon emissions. The HERO project highlights restoration practices aimed at minimising environmental impact, fostering more sustainable construction methods.

HERO: A model for European Cooperation

The HERO project underscores the importance of European partnerships in fostering innovative and sustainable practices. This Erasmus+ initiative enabled diverse expertise to be shared—from preserving traditional skills to promoting social inclusion and eco-construction. The Belgian partner, think-and-do tank Pour La Solidarité, focused on advocating for inclusive European policies and raising awareness about sustainability issues

A promising future for heritage training in Europe

By emphasising the importance of training, the HERO initiative lays the groundwork for a model that could inspire future European policies. Combining inclusion, employability, and environmentally friendly practices, the HERO model paves the way for a Europe where heritage becomes a driver of social and ecological transformation.

The conclusion of this three-year project marks the beginning of a new era for heritage training, where inclusion and ecology take centre stage.

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