Dear Readers,

As we step into 2025, we would like to share some of the highlights and achievements from the past year within the SD-WISHEES project. Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to protect cultural heritage against the challenges posed by hydroclimatic extreme events, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in the coming year.

Highlights  

Key Events

• Kick-off Meeting in Bari, Italy

  In March, we held our first meeting, laying the foundation for a forward-looking and successful collaboration.

• 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia

  SD-WISHEES participated in the 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia, in 2024. During the event, we organized a workshop titled “Extreme water events and indigenous peoples: how ancestral knowledge can support climate adaptation measures”, bringing attention to the critical role of indigenous wisdom in addressing climate challenges.

• Africa24 Conference
  During Africa24, we introduced the SD-WISHEES project in an international context, emphasizing climate adaptation and the protection of cultural heritage in Africa. This platform was pivotal in fostering collaborations with partners across the African continent.

Addressing Hydroclimatic Challenges

Our team participated in several events and sessions to highlight the impact of hydroclimatic extreme events on cultural heritage. These presentations helped raise awareness of the need for sustainable adaptation strategies.

Exploring the Role of Culture in Climate Adaptation

We actively contributed to discussions on how cultural heritage can play a vital role in climate change solutions, focusing on the integration of local knowledge and traditions.

Strengthening Partnerships in Africa and Europe

Through our participation in conferences and networking events, we reinforced collaborations with partners in Africa and Europe, focusing on both technical solutions and policy development.

SD-WISHEES TAP Action

In addition to the above highlights, we are excited to share progress on the SD-WISHEES TAP (Thematic Annual Programming) action. This initiative, led by ANR (France), is the main instrument used by the consortium to boost cooperation with widening countries.

Much progress was made in 2024, and the official launch of the TAP will take place during the first quarter of 2025 in Paris. The TAP is designed to streamline collaborative efforts through the networking of projects funded by national participating countries. France, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Romania are joining this instrument.

Coordinators from nominated projects will be asked to develop a plan outlining specific activities for the next two years, extending till the end of the SD-WISHEES project. The minutes of the kick-off meeting of the TAP instrument will be available on the SD-WISHEES website a few weeks after the event.

Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026

We are excited to build on these successes in 2025. Our priorities will remain:

• Use the SD WISHEES project dashboards of Data for Good and GSES for communication and raising awareness.
• Developing new tools for heritage protection.
• Strengthening international partnerships.
• Sharing knowledge and results with a broad audience.
• Publication of the SD-WISHEES Strategic Vision in September 2025, outlining R&I needs in the field of hydroclimatic extreme events and cultural heritage.
• Identification of main barriers for international cooperation, based on the results of the questionnaire developed by WP5.

Stay updated on our activities through our website and LinkedIn page.

Best regards,

The SD-WISHEES Team

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