ICCROM is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extensive damage, including to natural and cultural heritage, resulting from the catastrophic wildfires currently ongoing in many parts of the world.
Our Director-General and staff wish to extend their condolences to the people and governments of our Member States in all continents currently experiencing the devastating effects of wildfires.
We express our solidarity with the communities affected, as well as with those engaged in first aid and civil protection activities and those responsible for cultural heritage.
Source: European Union Global Wildfire Information System, burnt areas from Jan-Aug 2023
As climate change-induced extreme weather events continue becoming more prevalent worldwide, we will continue to support our Member States in their steadfast efforts to protect their cultural heritage. Through our programme First Aid and Resilience for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAR), we stand ready to offer assistance in developing capacities for early warning, preparedness and response for securing affected cultural heritage at the appropriate time while renewing our efforts to mitigate climate change and its impacts on heritage and associated communities.
For more information on specific resources related to mitigating fire risk for heritage, email us at far_programme@iccrom.org