Crisis Management Days

From protection to preparedness: Rethinking cultural heritage protection in crisis management

Ana Miličić

Civil Protection Directorate

Nađa Lučić

Keywords: cultural heritage protection, preparedness, intersectoral cooperation, risk management

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Abstract

Cultural heritage protection has traditionally focused on conservation, restoration, and preventive technical measures aimed at preserving the physical integrity of heritage assets. While such approaches remain essential, recent disasters have demonstrated that they are insufficient when heritage sites are exposed to emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, or other crisis events. In such situations, the effectiveness of protection measures depends not only on conservation practices but also on the level of preparedness of institutions and their ability to cooperate with emergency services. This paper examines the need to expand the concept of cultural heritage protection towards operational preparedness within the broader framework of crisis management. The analysis is based on professional practice in heritage risk management and on insights gained through cooperation between cultural heritage professionals and civil protection actors. Particular attention is given to key elements of preparedness, including risk awareness, planning, training, and intersectoral collaboration. The paper highlights the need to reconceptualise cultural heritage protection as part of broader crisis preparedness rather than solely as a field of conservation practice.