Summer Course “Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change”

e invite applications for the summer course “Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change,” developed within the ERASMUS+ project “Green Heritage: The Impact of Climate Change on Intangible Cultural Heritage” (ERASMUS-EDU-2022-PI-FORWARD-LOT1, No. 101087596).

The course consists of online lectures and two in-person seminars – the first on 29 August at the Archives of Latvian Folklore, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (Mūkusalas iela 3, Riga), and the second on 30 August at the Carnikava Local History Centre (Jomas iela 7, Carnikava).

The course is designed for students of cultural and environmental studies, professionals in the field, custodians of intangible cultural heritage, and other interested participants wishing to deepen their knowledge.

Structure:

• In July or August, participants complete online lectures and assignments at their own pace.

• On 29–30 August, participants attend the on-site seminars.

• Participation is free of charge.

• Online lectures will be in English, seminars in Latvian.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate and 5 ECTS credits from the University of the Aegean (Greece).

The course has been created by partners from Latvia, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Belgium to highlight the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on intangible cultural heritage and its sustainability. Latvia is represented by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia.

Application deadline: 17 June 2024
Application form: [link]
Confirmed participants will be notified in July, along with a detailed description of the course. For questions, please contact: lfk@lulfmi.lv

Programme Modules:

1. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Introduction and International Overview
   Definitions, diversity, UNESCO system, EU and national legislation, community roles, ethics, digitization.

2. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change I: Threats and Protection (Environmental Perspective)
   Climate system dynamics, anthropogenic and natural factors, risks, and impacts on human and natural systems.

3. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change II: Challenges and Opportunities
   Sustainability, risks to ICH, critical perspectives on protection, knowledge for safeguarding ICH under climate change.

4. Tools for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
   ICT for protection, preservation, communication, and awareness-raising.

Photo: Sandra Baltruka