Author: Maria Bednarska

Studying climate change impacts on Audley End House and Gardens: Kassandra joins English Heritage initiative

We are delighted to have been asked to apply Kassandra at Audley End House and Gardens for English Heritage

The study will focus on the impact of climate change on the building designed by Robert Adam and the gardens designed by Capability Brown in the 1760s as well as visitor’s experience in the light of future climate challenges.

A great opportunity to pursue climate change management and future proofing of historic sites.

Kassandra to lead UNESCO U.K. study on safeguarding Hadrian’s Wall from climate change

Climate change is threatening world heritage. UNESCO U.K. has appointed Kassandra to study its effects on Hadrian’s Wall, starting with the fort of Vindolanda, where drought is already putting at risk the unique archaeological remains for which the site is renowned.

Kassandra will analyse climate and environmental data to develop new strategies for protecting this extraordinary World Heritage Site for future generations.

Kassandra showcased at URWAN Living Lab in Portugal to aupport sustainable water and climate solutions

Today we presented Kassandra at the URWAN Living Lab in Cuba, Portugal – a three-day event exploring how Nature-based Solutions can address water and climate challenges in Mediterranean towns.

Kassandra is contributing as an Integrated Decision Support System, helping local actors plan and implement sustainable, data-informed solutions.

Proud to be part of this dynamic and collaborative process.

Kassandra shortlisted for 2025 European Heritage Awards: a proud recognition!

We’re honoured that Kassandra was shortlisted for the 2025 European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards in the Research category.

To be considered alongside so many inspiring projects across Europe is already a great recognition. We didn’t win, but this experience has been deeply encouraging and a reminder of the importance of bridging heritage and climate resilience.

Thank you to Europa Nostra, the European Commission, and all who have supported and believed in this work.

Facing the climate crisis: Kassandra’s role highlighted at World Heritage UK Event

Great to be in London this week for the World Heritage UK workshop—an inspiring gathering of professionals dedicated to the future of our most treasured places. It was encouraging to see Kassandra mentioned in discussions around digital tools for climate resilience!

Fittingly, it was also the hottest May Day on record—an apt reminder that the climate crisis is not a future problem, but a present reality. The challenges facing World Heritage Sites are complex, but the innovation and commitment in the room gave real cause for hope.

Grateful for the connections made and the thoughtful conversations shared. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Collaboration in action: URWAN and Cardimed unite at Urban Green Horizons

At yesterday’s Urban Green Horizons event, Mark Cannata delivered a compelling talk on Kassandra and the importance of Nature-Based Solutions in urban environments, together with partners from Svimed Centro Euromediterraneo per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile, Iridra and Ancilazio.

The event also saw a successful twinning and knowledge exchange between two innovative EU projects: URWAN and Cardimed — highlighting the power of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges.

It’s inspiring to witness these projects coming together to shape greener, more resilient cities for the future!

City of Ptuj and Kassandra: collaborative steps toward climate resilience and heritage conservation

Kassandra has just completed, as part of the URWAN project, a productive site visit and community engagement session in Ptuj, Slovenia—one of the country’s most historic towns. As we continue to work towards sustainable development and climate change mitigation, visiting Ptuj provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by a town deeply rooted in history and culture.

One of the key challenges we discussed was how to balance the urgent need for climate action and integration of Nature Based Solutions with the conservation of Ptuj’s architectural heritage. The town’s narrow streets, ancient buildings, and rich cultural landscapes make implementing modern, sustainable infrastructure a delicate process in which a data-based decision making process will be crucial. In this respect Kassandra will be an invaluable tool to allow local authorities can balance the immediate need for climate action with the careful stewardship of Ptuj’s cultural heritage, ensuring that both the town’s past and its future are protected.

Throughout our visit, we engaged in open dialogues with stakeholders, including local authorities, business owners, and residents.

By listening to these voices, we gained a deeper understanding of the town’s unique vulnerabilities and opportunities. The visit highlighted the importance of co-creating solutions with the community, ensuring that any steps we take forward are rooted in local needs and aspirations. Together, we aim to help build a sustainable future that honors Ptuj’s past.

Advancing urban resilience: URWAN Project site visit in Sarajevo

Just wrapped up an inspiring site visit in Sarajevo as part of the URWAN project! It was an incredible opportunity to engage directly with key local authorities, stakeholders, and community members who are integral to the project’s success.

We had very productive meetings where we discussed the implementation of Kassandra as an Integrated Decision Support System (IDSS) for part of Sarajevo, including the historic Old Town. This tool will be pivotal in integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning, ensuring that the city’s rich cultural heritage is preserved while also enhancing resilience to environmental challenges.

This visit reaffirmed the importance of strong, localized partnerships in making a meaningful impact. We are excited to see how these collaborations will shape the future of Sarajevo’s urban landscape. Looking forward to the next steps in this journey!

Over 1500kg of waste removed and a wew turtle nest found: Modica and Kassandra in action

Modica and Kassandra are still dedicated to their environmental efforts: we have collected over 1500 kg of waste and discovered a new turtle nest.

Read more: https://www.radiortm.it/2024/07/03/modica-continua-il-suo-impegno-per-lambiente-raccolti-oltre-1500kg-di-rifiuti-e-scoperto-un-nuovo-nido-di-tartarughe/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Jhx6t6uA22i2udjW99xMlxtgokoizUPjwhmLKVQqG52Mzx6pmoqfKdoo_aem_udtnfS4LhtITIAyvhQk4uA

Foto: RTM

Join Kassandra and Plastic Free for a beach cleanup at Maganuco – June 30th

On Sunday, June 30th, starting at 4:30 PM, Kassandra will join friends from the Plastic Free association, in collaboration with the Municipality of Modica, for a beach cleanup event at Maganuco.