AURORA Project

🌍 The AURORA project was proudly presented at the workshop "Fighting against the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in the Western Balkans", held from Nov 27–29 in Skopje, North Macedonia. Organized by UNESCO and funded by the European Commission, the event brought together experts, institutions, and NGOs to tackle illegal activities targeting cultural heritage. 👏 Irena Ruzin and Jove Pargovski represented AURORA, showcasing its contributions to combating cultural property trafficking and strengthening heritage protection in the region. Together, we’re building stronger frameworks for safeguarding our shared heritage. https://lnkd.in/dX_5AnQ6 #CulturalHeritage #AURORAProject #UNESCO

📢 This Week in Cultural Heritage Protection: AURORA Daily Digest 1️⃣ Safeguarding Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage On November 19, the European Commission-led Expert Group shared key recommendations in Brussels as part of the project ‘Resilience Through Culture: The EU’s Support for the Ukrainian Cultural Sector’. With 457 cultural sites in Ukraine damaged since February 2022 (UNESCO), the group outlined both immediate actions and long-term strategies: ✔️ Safe storage spaces and protective measures in Ukraine. ✔️ Potential EU-hosted safe havens for movable heritage. ✔️ Enhanced documentation, risk management, and recovery efforts. The document reflects the EU's firm commitment to cultural resilience in conflict. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eHbSRAGF 2️⃣ Italy Returns Pre-Hispanic Artefacts to El Salvador Nine archaeological artifacts (600–900 A.D.), held illegally in private collections in Italy, have been returned to El Salvador thanks to the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC). This marks the first restitution of its kind between the two countries. During a ceremony in El Salvador, the Italian Ambassador and the Salvadoran Ministry of Culture celebrated this significant step in cultural diplomacy. Italy, as the first country to establish a specialized heritage protection force, continues to lead by example in global artifact restitution. https://lnkd.in/eQCeS8Se These stories underscore the importance of international cooperation in protecting our shared heritage. 🌍 #CulturalHeritage #ArtefactRestitution #Ukraine #ElSalvador

🌟 AURORA Takes Center Stage at International Conference On November 25, 2024, Aida Vežić, Secretary General of the Balkan Museum Network, presented AURORA during a panel on combating illicit artifact trafficking. Alongside projects like Enigma and Anchiese Cluster, the discussion explored critical challenges and solutions, including innovative tools and successful practices. The event emphasized the importance of EU collaboration, shared goals, and safeguarding cultural heritage through cutting-edge approaches. We're proud to see AURORA contributing to this vital global conversation! 🌍 https://lnkd.in/dhtUNNcz #CulturalHeritage #IllicitTrafficking #HeritagePreservation #Innovation

📣📍 BUDAPEST: BMN’s Aida Vežić to Present the AURORA Project at the International Conference on Cultural Heritage Protection 🌐 The International Conference on Cultural Heritage Protection in Crisis Situations, organised by the Hungarian National Museum, opened earlier today in Budapest. 🎯 This two-day conference (Nov 25-26), which brought together experts from different fields who are working to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, aims to explore both the challenges and opportunities for strengthening cultural heritage protection. -- 📃 The diverse programme includes a roundtable discussion on three EU Horizon Europe projects – AURORA, ENIGMA, and ANCHISE – all of which are set to play a key role in the fight against illicit trafficking. 👉 The AURORA Project will be presented by Aida Vežić, the BMN’s Secretary General, with the panel moderated by Dr. Lujza Varga, Head of the Department for International Co-operation, Project Coordination, and Exhibition Management at the HNM. -- 💭 Looking forward to sharing key insights and impressions from this important international event soon! ✨🏛️ -- 📌 The #AURORAProject aims to enhance the protection, identification, and traceability of cultural property through cutting-edge technology. . . . #Conference #IllicitTraffickingInCulturalProperty #CulturalHeritageProtection #CrisisManagement #CPP #Heritage #HNM #Budapest #BMN #BalkanMuseumNetwork

🌍 Innovative Conservation in Bosnia and Herzegovina At the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, passionate professionals joined forces in a two-day training focused on cutting-edge materials and methods for cultural heritage conservation. Topics included gels, nanocellulose, microemulsions, and poultices, paired with hands-on activities that explored how these innovations can safeguard Bosnia’s rich, multi-period cultural heritage. A special thanks to Azra Becevic Sarenkapa for the opportunity and to all participants for their energy and dedication to preserving history for future generations. 🏛️✨ Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in cultural heritage preservation! https://lnkd.in/dHmPNtaD #CulturalHeritage #ConservationScience #HeritagePreservation #Innovation

🌍 Protecting Cultural Heritage: A Global Priority Under the Spotlight This week brings two significant stories in the fight to safeguard cultural heritage: 1️⃣ EU's New Anti-Looting Law By June 2025, the EU will fully implement its Regulation on the Introduction and Import of Cultural Goods. This law aims to combat the illegal trade of stolen artefacts but is poised to disrupt the legitimate art trade. Importers will face stricter requirements, such as proving the lawful export of items from their country of origin and navigating a new centralized database to track cultural goods. While essential for protecting artefacts, the legislation raises concerns about its impact on smaller galleries, collectors, and market accessibility. 📌 https://lnkd.in/d-Rszucm 2️⃣ Etruscan Artefacts Recovered in Italy The Carabinieri TPC, in collaboration with archaeological experts, uncovered eight urns and two sarcophagi from a clandestine excavation in Città della Pieve. These exquisitely preserved artefacts—adorned with vivid reliefs and even traces of gold—date back to the 3rd century BCE and offer insight into the ancient Etruscan civilization. This operation is one of Italy’s most significant recoveries of cultural artefacts, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal trafficking. 📌 https://lnkd.in/dMpTSxT7 🛡️ These developments remind us of the delicate balance between protecting history and enabling the sustainable trade of cultural goods. As the art world adjusts to these challenges, the broader message is clear: safeguarding cultural heritage is a global responsibility. What are your thoughts on the implications of stricter regulations for the art trade? Share below ⬇️ #CulturalHeritage #EURegulation #Archaeology #ArtMarket

🌍 Maximizing Impact Through Dissemination & Exploitation of Research Results 🌍 The European Research Executive Agency (REA) recently published insights on the importance of disseminating and exploiting research findings. This guidance highlights strategies to ensure that research doesn’t just stay in academic circles but reaches industries, policymakers, and the public who can make the most of it. From publishing in open-access platforms to strategic collaborations, REA’s guidance is a must-read for researchers aiming to maximize their work's real-world impact. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/d8QzdKTp #ResearchImpact #HorizonEurope #ScienceCommunication #Innovation #EUResearch

L'office fédéral de la Protection de la Population (OFPP) organise 2 évènements majeurs autour des 70 ans de la Convention de la Haye. À vos inscriptions pour y participer !

🌏 Weekly Highlight: Cultural Heritage and Justice in Greece 1️⃣ Greek Archaeologist on a Noble Quest Meet Christos Tsirogiannis – the Greek archaeologist with a mission to bring stolen antiquities back to their rightful home. This inspiring professional has spent decades investigating global smuggling rings without any monetary reward, driven solely by the goal of justice and preservation. From identifying looted artifacts at major institutions to building a comprehensive private database on stolen antiquities, Tsirogiannis continues his relentless pursuit, fueled by a passion for honoring his homeland’s history. It's a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices some make for cultural integrity. https://lnkd.in/dG2rEdkU 2️⃣ Crackdown on “Treasure Hunters” In a move to tighten control over Greece’s cultural heritage, the Greek Culture Ministry has rolled out stricter regulations for metal detector owners. Effective immediately, these “treasure hunters” must now secure permits and outline their plans in detail or face severe penalties. This is a major step in curbing unauthorized excavations, and protecting Greece’s rich archaeological sites and invaluable historical artifacts. https://lnkd.in/dG6uXQrZ These stories underscore a powerful theme: safeguarding cultural heritage is a collective responsibility that requires unwavering dedication and strict enforcement. #CulturalHeritage #Archaeology #AuroraInsights #Greece #CulturalPreservation #HistoryMatters

🌍 This October, Azra Becevic Sarenkapa, Steering Board member of the Balkan Museum Network, was honored to represent AURORA at UNESCO's five-day training in Tirana, Albania. The event, titled "Fighting the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in the Western Balkans," aimed to empower key players in heritage protection and advance regional cooperation, following the EU Western Balkans Strategy. In her presentation, Azra highlighted the work of the Balkan Museum Network under "Together We Can Do Better" and introduced the AURORA Project’s efforts to counteract the illicit trade of cultural heritage. 🎨 A huge thank you to UNESCO for organizing this impactful event that brought together ministries, law enforcement, and heritage experts to strengthen cultural preservation in the Balkans. Together, we're building a safer future for our shared cultural heritage. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dib8XDRR #CulturalHeritage #AuroraProject #UNESCO #HeritageProtection #WesternBalkans #MuseumNetwork #EUIntegration