Protecting the cultural heritage from natural disasters

Natural disasters represent a major threat to cultural heritage. Floods, earthquakes, fires, environmental fatigue or similar long term climate effects sometimes cause irreversible damage to cultural heritage or completely destroy entire areas of cultural heritage, both movable and immovable. Many heritage objects are further damaged by inadequate emergency interventions. The study examines current national and international instruments and activities to protect cultural heritage from natural disasters, giving examples of best practices and describing problems and shortcomings. Based on an analysis of current and forthcoming EU legislation, priorities for action are defined. Given the increasing occurrence of natural disasters and their impact on cultural heritage, the authors recommend horizontal integration of the protection of cultural heritage from natural disasters into relevant EU policies.