ABSTRACT
The General Directorate for Safety of Cultural Heritage focuses on risk prevention to protect cultural assets from natural disasters like earthquakes and climate change. Using experience in emergency management, the Directorate develops plans to enhance the resilience of historical and religious sites, ensuring their ability to withstand severe events. Collaboration with the Italian Episcopal Conference is crucial, especially during emergencies, to secure movable assets from churches and religious institutions.
The April 23, 2015 Directive established regional crisis units to manage emergencies and identify secure storage for cultural assets. These temporary depots must meet requirements for accessibility, safety, and conservation. The Santo Chiodo depot in Spoleto, a model facility, features seismic isolators, ventilation, and security measures, facilitating efficient management of assets during crises.
Guidelines emphasize the creation of restoration laboratories in depots to support ongoing conservation activities. Procedures involve inventory management, documentation, and updates to the Risk Charter system for tracking assets. This strategy aims to protect and preserve Italy’s cultural heritage, ensuring its resilience against future disasters.
