Cultural heritage policies for prevention, preparedness and first aid

Cultural heritage, as a fundamental manifestation of individual and collective identity and memory, represents an unquestionable value for the sustainable development and the quality of life of present societies. Recently, a significant mind shift regarding the perception of heritage and cultural activities has been influenced by the impact of cultural heritage in the European GDP. Archaeological sites, museums, monuments, people’s stories and historical environments hold enormous potential to regenerate and renew communities, through their contribution for economic growth, jobs creation, social cohesion and environmental sustainability (Busquin, Thurley 2015). Following this recognition, the world has witnessed the integration of cultural heritage protection measures in the main international documents, especially from 2015 until the present moment, intending to mainstream cultural heritage in risk management policies and climate change strategies, as a call for action for governments and communities. Below, this chapter explores the international frameworks and approach- es currently in practice to influence the implementation of conservation and cultural heritage protection policies introduces the STORM risk-oriented proposals to improve governmental policies, mainly focused on prevention, allow a possible adaption to national legal systems of the STORM partner countries, as well as for their appropriation by different communities.