Geotechnologies for Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Project iHeritage: ICT Mediterranean Platform for UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Technological innovation in the cultural heritage sector is a guiding objective of local and supranational policies, directing EU development strategies and funding. Cooperation projects among member States are increasingly systematically adopting geotechnologies for the management and enhancement of cultural heritage, and the use of such tools is considered functional in ensuring economic development, competitiveness, inclusion and sustainability. This paper aims to reflect on innovation policies and possible applications of geotechnology in the heritage sector with reference to the iHeritage project, funded by the EU through the Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme, a Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) initiative implemented under the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI). The paper will illustrate, through the case study, the opportunities, risks and challenges of the most innovative digital solutions for the enhancement of cultural heritage in UNESCO sites.