Overview

As extreme hydroclimatic events grow more frequent and severe, protecting our cultural and environmental heritage demands strategic, cross-sector, and inclusive collaboration. This dual-event initiative, organised under the EU Horizon SD-WISHEES project, brings together researchers, innovators, funding members, and local communities from across Europe, the Balkans, and Africa to build a resilient future at the intersection of the Water–Climate–Cultural Heritage (WCCH) Nexus.

Join us for two power-packed days in Taormina — in person against the backdrop of the Ancient Greek Theatre and Mount Etna, or remotely from anywhere in the world.

Day 1 focuses on innovative solutions supporting hydro-meteorological and marine monitoring and forecasting, the value of Earth Observation in addressing climate challenges, and academia's contribution to the WCCH Nexus. Day 2 opens the conversation internationally, covering:

• 01Transnational cooperation — coordinating regional initiatives across Europe, the Balkans, and Africa.
• 02Community building & youth engagement — connecting heritage traditions with the next generation of stewards.
• 03Earth observation technology — applying satellite and monitoring data to heritage management.

Why Taormina

Perched above the Ionian coast beneath Mount Etna, Taormina's Ancient Greek Theatre and hillside old town have stood through centuries of seismic activity, storms, and shifting climate — making it a fitting setting to discuss how heritage sites adapt to hydroclimatic extremes. Both venues sit a short walk apart in the historic centre, reachable from Taormina-Giardini station and Catania Airport.