Preserving and presenting cultural heritage
The 'Training seminars on research planning, conservation, characterisation and management in archaeological sites' (Archaia) project organised and realised two training seminars related to cultural heritage. Integrating a human and natural sciences perspective, the Copenhagen (Denmark) and Bologna (Italy) seminars addressed an audience of 90 scholars, postgraduate students and professionals of varying backgrounds. Project activities aimed at presenting the results of various EU-funded research projects and European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) actions. With the aim of bringing together all historical information within a coherent and properly displayed project, Archaia team members took a global approach towards training for the planning and management of archaeological parks. They began with the initial steps of field research and progressed through the characterisation of materials uncovered and topographical studies. Overall, the seminars aimed to share optimal approaches to managing archaeological sites for the best possible display of how research strategies and their results contribute to the gathering of historical content. This approach sets an important basis for the protection of cultural heritage. A website was launched for communicating the achievements of the project and supplying guidelines for integrated protocols relevant to managing archaeological sites within a global perspective. One important project outcome was the intense networking that took place among the foremost specialists that were brought together from many different fields. Working from a global, coordinated perspective led to the publication of top-quality papers relevant to the goals of Archaia. Project efforts embraced a diverse range of fields, from natural and historical sciences to economic planning to questions of ownership and open access. This integrated and global approach succeeded in highlighting the complexity of issues regarding cultural heritage management.
