This project, called “Water Heritage Labs”, aims to develop around ten online training modules addressing issues related to water heritage in all its dimensions:
1. Understanding water heritage as a cultural, social and territorial concept
2. Natural water heritage systems: watercourses, wetlands, aquifers
3. Water systems based on traditional knowledge and practices
4. Tangible water heritage: mills, small-scale hydroelectric power stations, historic infrastructure
5. Comparative best practices in water heritage management across Europe
6. Management of riverbanks and catchment areas from a heritage perspective
7. Hydraulic systems, from micro- to macro-scale, and the integration of heritage
8. Water-related forestry and heritage systems and their interdependencies
9. ‘Blue’ solutions for flood and water risk management
10. Urban and rural watercourse heritage and spatial planning
Water Heritage Labs aims to develop an innovative transnational professional framework combining water heritage, climate change adaptation and territorial governance. It combines academic research, citizen knowledge and digital structuring within accessible methodologies. The project strengthens ecological and digital skills, supports the recognition of citizen science and enhances competitiveness through structured and transferable professional tools.
As noted by our project evaluators: “The Water Heritage Labs project is based on a simple observation that is rarely reflected in training programmes: water (its landscapes, hydraulic structures, traditional practices and climate-related risks) constitutes a living and endangered heritage, the management of which requires professionals capable of integrating technical, cultural and territorial perspectives – perspectives that existing training programmes all too often keep separate.”
Water Heritage Labs will operate as a transnational digital laboratory. Through ten structured two-hour collaborative workshops, participants will analyse real-world cases relating to water heritage in Europe using a common methodological framework. By integrating citizen science and transnational cooperation, it strengthens capacity for innovation, supports skills in the field of ecological transition and provides reusable professional tools for European practitioners.
At a time when the European Union is launching a range of initiatives linked to its Water Resilience Strategy, such as the Water Academy, AQUA is fully fulfilling its role in scientific mediation and professional development for the benefit of those involved in vocational training, focusing on current and… future careers!
Please do join us on this ERASMUS adventure by suggesting content for one or more of the modules mentioned, or by planning to take part in the online training sessions, starting in spring 2027.