Keynote Lecture – Climate Change Impacts on UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of exceptional cultural and natural value, is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This lecture will present key scientific findings regarding the impacts of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, desertification, and other environmental stressors on both cultural monuments and natural landscapes. Emphasis will be placed on recent assessments, vulnerability mapping, and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to safeguard irreplaceable heritage. A multidisciplinary approach will be discussed, bridging climate science, heritage conservation, and policy frameworks.