Project Description
The INHERIT (Hiking Heritage Trails) project is an innovative initiative dedicated to cultural heritage protection through outdoor activities. It introduces a new business model—the Hiking Heritage Protectors, a network of trained mountain guides who will serve as curators of historical and archaeological sites located in mountainous areas. This model aims to bridge the gap between outdoor enthusiasts and heritage conservation, ensuring that cultural treasures in remote locations are preserved, documented, and shared with broader audiences.
Many heritage sites in Europe’s mountain regions are difficult to access, leading to neglect, deterioration, and lack of monitoring. Traditional heritage institutions often struggle with resources to regularly inspect these sites. However, mountaineers frequently visit these locations, making them ideal candidates to assist in heritage documentation and protection. By equipping them with digital tools and specialized training, the project ensures that they identify, report, and promote these cultural assets responsibly.
INHERIT brings together four key partners from Serbia, Slovenia, Austria, and Portugal, each with expertise in heritage conservation and outdoor tourism. The project aims to create a collaborative European network for sustainable heritage protection by developing digital tools, training professionals, and fostering public engagement.
Key Activities and Innovation
The project focuses on four core pillars:
Education & Training:
12 mountain guides will receive training in heritage protection, gaining certification as Hiking Heritage Protectors.
These trained guides will educate an additional 10 guides per country, expanding the network of protectors.
Heritage professionals (archaeologists, historians, and curators) will undergo specialized training to better utilize digital tools for monitoring cultural sites.
Digital Innovation:
A Smart Digital EU Interactive Map will be developed, featuring hiking trails that connect cultural heritage sites.
The platform will include real-time data entry, allowing hikers to report on-site conditions and share their experiences.
A mobile app with game-like features will engage younger audiences and encourage participation in cultural tourism.
Public Engagement & Awareness:
The project will increase visibility for remote cultural heritage sites, integrating them into eco-tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Dissemination efforts include social media campaigns, public events, and traditional media coverage, reaching over 500 people per country.
A final symposium in Arouca (Portugal) will present key project outcomes and establish future collaborations.
Sustainability & European Impact:
The project seeks to validate certification for Hiking Heritage Protectors through an official EU framework, ensuring long-term impact.
The digital platform will support advertising and local businesses, promoting outdoor gear, accommodations, handicrafts, and eco-tourism services.
The initiative aligns with EU sustainability goals, the New European Bauhaus initiative, and the Digital Agenda for Europe.Expected Impact and Long-Term Vision
Through INHERIT, we anticipate the following long-term benefits:
New Audiences for Heritage Tourism: By merging outdoor sports with cultural heritage, the project introduces a new demographic to historical conservation efforts.
Enhanced Heritage Monitoring & Protection: Real-time data collection by trained Hiking Heritage Protectors will aid heritage institutions in monitoring and maintaining difficult-to-access sites.
Sustainable Economic Growth: The project supports rural development, boosting local economies through heritage-based tourism.
International Expansion: INHERIT sets the foundation for future expansion, incorporating more outdoor activities like climbing, rafting, and skiing, and potentially extending the EU digital heritage network to new regions.
By empowering mountaineers and leveraging digital technology, INHERIT transforms the way we preserve, experience, and promote Europe’s rich cultural heritage—ensuring its protection for future generations.
