Preserving Legacies Cohort Programme 2025–2027

Preserving Legacies is calling for nominations of individuals or organisations from a place of cultural significance, to join a cohort that will endeavour to protect cultural heritage against climate change.

In partnership with the Climate Heritage Network, the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the National Geographic Society, Preserving Legacies is a global initiative that equips heritage custodians with climate heritage training, professional connections, and resources to implement climate adaptation actions that protect heritage places. Each cohort grows the dedicated community of practice committed to securing a sustainable future for heritage.

This programme spans three years, designed to create lasting impact:

• Year 1: custodians from each community, individuals that care for heritage places, complete a one-year of comprehensive climate training.
• Year 2: custodians apply that training to lead a climate risk assessment for their community.
• Year 3: custodians use their risk assessment as a guide to design, implement, and test climate adaptation solutions that are specifically tailored to their communities and cultures (these climate solutions strengthen community resilience, break ground on adaptation efforts to protect sites, and mainstream culture and heritage into regional, national, and international climate policy).

The Cohort Programme begins virtually 1 March 2025.

The programme provides the following:

• A free-of-charge, 12-month training programme specially tailored for heritage professionals led by leaders in the ICOMOS community.
• A paid trip to an in-person experiential learning workshop, where participants will connect with peers, experts, and leaders in the field.
• In the second year, applicants will receive team support, financial resources, and scientific advising to lead a climate risk assessment for their heritage place.
• Storytelling guidance and support.
• The chance to share insights in the programme’s global community of practice and connect to policy processes to mainstream heritage into climate action.

Preserving Legacies application guidelines  

Deadline: 3 January 2024