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Session chair:  Prof. Dorothee Kimmich, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tubingen (Germany)

Individual contribution 

Prof. Omar Lamghibchi -Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca (Morocco)

Innovative Approaches to Heritage Management: African-European University Collaboration for Sustainable Cultural Preservation

Heritage management is a central tool for preserving cultural identity while fostering sustainable development and social cohesion in increasingly multicultural societies. This contribution examines collaborative strategies between African and European universities for innovative and inclusive heritage management, integrating research, education, and community engagement. Drawing on case studies from Morocco and European partner institutions, the study highlights joint projects that combine historical research, participatory heritage programs, and pedagogical innovations. 
Digital documentation, adaptive management strategies, and community involvement are emphasized as mechanisms to strengthen local identity, encourage intercultural understanding, and promote inclusive decision-making in heritage governance. The contribution also addresses key challenges in cross-continental collaboration, including disparities in resources, policy differences, and the integration of modern technology with traditional knowledge systems. 
It proposes a framework for sustainable African-European heritage management partnerships that aligns research excellence with social impact, emphasizing participatory methods, knowledge exchange, and long-term capacity building. 
By examining these initiatives, the study demonstrates how universities can serve as proactive agents in heritage preservation, linking academic research with practical community outcomes. It underscores the potential of cross-regional collaboration to develop transferable models for inclusive heritage management, fostering dialogue between diverse communities while preserving local and global cultural heritage. Discussion points include: strategies to design inclusive heritage programs, methods to integrate community participation and digital tools, and approaches to measure the social and cultural impact of heritage initiatives on local communities. 

Prof. Maria Soto - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid (Spain) - online 

‘From Shared Heritage to Shared Futures: African- European Cooperation in Archaeology and Education in Eastern Morocco’

Since 2006, the project “Evolution of Human Settlement Pattern Dynamics during the Quaternary in Eastern Morocco: Aïn Beni Mathar – Guefaït (Jerada Province)” has exemplified Africa–Europe collaboration through sustained research partnerships between Moroccan and Spanish institutions. The project integrates scientific investigation with societal engagement, addressing shared challenges of heritage preservation, education, and sustainable local development. Beyond its scientific goals of reconstructing settlement dynamics and paleoenvironmental contexts that contribute to a broader understanding of human adaptation across continents, the project has placed strong emphasis on community engagement, heritage valorization, and educational cooperation. This project highlights the initiatives connected to these social and educational dimensions. Local communities have actively participated in field surveys and excavations, contributing to the discovery, preservation, and promotion of their own heritage; public visits to archaeological sites and the University Museum of Archaeology and Heritage at Mohamed I University of Oujda have strengthened the sense of cultural ownership and awareness; and parallel activities include training sessions for teachers and the progressive creation of local interpretation centers in such as the recently created in Oujda, aimed at fostering cultural tourism and sustainable employment opportunities for youth, reinforcing transcontinental academic exchange and capacity building in archaeological research. By combining scientific excellence with inclusive societal engagement, this initiative illustrates how joint Africa–Europe cooperation can generate sustainable impact — transforming the study of the past into a shared resource for present and a tool for building inclusive and sustainable futures.

Collective contribution

Prof. Daniel Augusta Zacarias- Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo (Mozambic)
Dr. Bárbara Polo Martín -  Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid (Spain) - online
Heritage for the Future: Promoting best practices for heritage preservation and promotion

Africa holds a rich and diverse cultural heritage, ranging from monuments and sacred landscapes to living traditions. Yet these assets face increasing threats from urbanization, climate change, conflict, and limited public awareness. In many contexts, heritage is undervalued or excluded from development agendas, leading to erosion of identity and weakening of social cohesion. 
The Heritage for the Future project responds to these challenges by promoting sustainable, community-led strategies for heritage preservation, with a pilot focus on Mozambique. It positions heritage not only as a legacy to be safeguarded, but as a driver of education, social resilience, and inclusive development. 
The project is rooted in collaboration between CIVIS universities and African partners, integrating expertise in conservation, digital heritage, citizen science, and participatory governance. Key activities include participatory mapping of cultural sites and practices, capacity-building workshops in Maputo and Madrid, educational initiatives embedding heritage in curricula, the creation of a digital heritage archive, and international exchanges between African and European researchers. These activities actively engage youth and women, reinforcing cultural identity while building local capacity. 

The expected outcomes are strengthened community stewardship, greater visibility of Mozambican heritage, enhanced intercultural dialogue, and pathways for sustainable tourism that respect cultural values. By integrating heritage into digital platforms and educational practices, the initiative will foster equitable access to knowledge, while also building local digital literacy capacities. Beyond the immediate implementation, it aims to establish a transcontinental research group, maintain shared digital platforms, and foster long-term collaboration under EU–Africa frameworks. 
By connecting local knowledge with international expertise, the project offers a replicable model for community-based heritage preservation. It contributes to CIVIS objectives by addressing global societal challenges, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and creating inclusive, durable solutions.

Questions for the audience

• How can community-led approaches ensure both authenticity and sustainability in heritage preservation? What role should digital tools play in protecting intangible cultural heritage (e.g., oral traditions, rituals)? 
• How can African–European partnerships best balance knowledge exchange, avoiding asymmetries of power? 
• In what ways can heritage initiatives contribute to broader goals such as youth engagement and social cohesion?