The HEPRESTONE project (Preventive Management of Built Heritage for its Protection Against Climate Change through the Promotion of Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism), project code 0274_HEPRESTONE_4_E, has the main objective of enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation. The initiative, with a total eligible cost of €100,000.00, with €75,000.00 supported by FEDER and €25,000.00 by national/regional public funds, takes place in the region of Évora.
Funded by the European Union and approved on June 12, 2024, the project began on November 1, 2022, and is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026. The beneficiary entity is CCDR Alentejo, I.P.
The general objective of HEPRESTONE is to develop a set of actions to facilitate and promote the management, protection, and preventive conservation of built heritage, adapted to climate change in the EURO ZONE. The pilot project includes three case studies: the Alcazaba of Mérida, adjacent buildings, and archaeological ruins; the Muralha de Évora; and the Castillo de Portezuelo and archaeological excavation.
Specific project objectives include generating techniques and tools to characterize the "in situ" conservation status of identified construction systems in the EUROACE territory. It also aims to identify and develop a system of critical alert indicators, associated with climate change manifestations in the EUROACE geographical area, which will feed into an innovative and multimedia web platform.
Additionally, HEPRESTONE seeks to identify innovative solutions supported by digitalization processes, new technologies, and Big Data, to reduce the negative impacts of tourism on built cultural heritage, thereby promoting economic development and population retention in the territory.
