Protect our Past, Save our Future
In the face of climate change, we need heritage now more than ever — both as the foundation for community resilience and as a source of climate solutions. Let's adapt the places our communities cherish most to ensure a future where all may thrive.
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Understanding climate risk, taking adaptation action
Climate change is the fastest growing threat to the heritage places and practices that define and connect us. Locally led adaptation that weaves together scientific, Indigenous, and local knowledge is the key to safeguarding them. It starts with breaking down the barriers to climate education, localized climate data, and shared knowledge, through training, tools, and a network of heritage practitioners, community leaders, scientists, policymakers, and storytellers. We adapt better together!
Supported by the National Geographic Society
Our Impact
120
Places & practices engaged in climate adaptation
803
Local leaders taking action
47
Countries where the work is happening
Our paths to climate action
Flagship Cohort Program for 10 Sites a Year
Our team of experts guide and mentor selected local custodians through a 3-year climate adaptation program — from climate education to risk assessment and locally led action.
Open Access Adaptation for Anyone
Our free online hub for self-guided climate adaptation and connection with others on the frontlines of climate change.
Interested in custom collaboration? Contact us about our Climate Literacy Trainings and more here.
“I am excited to use my training to protect the area's cultural heritage and gain new experiences. Despite frequent droughts and severe winters, we are confident in preserving our nomadic farming, cultural heritage and historical monuments."
“Preserving Legacies has been a wonderful space for the exchange of experiences from different countries that has allowed us to implement new methodologies to understand, from the local context, the impact of climate change on the cultural heritage of Cartagena de Indias Colombia.”
"Preserving Legacies has been a wonderful experience which has equipped us to respond to climate change at the Mosque City of Bagerhat. It has been amazing to meet so many incredible people from around the world dedicated to responding to climate change and I look forward to continuing our journey together."
"With the increasing negative impacts of climate change, projects like Preserving Legacies support communities around the world to protect their cultural heritage in a proactive, sustainable, locally-led way, which is ultimately what leads to success in heritage preservation in the long run."
Resources & News
Our Resources
Dive into our Climate Heritage Glossary, Library of Locally Led Risk Assessments from our Cohort Program, and curated Resource Database.
Climate Data Hub
Download, explore, and understand climate data specific to your location.
How “Loteria”, a local Bingo game, facilitated climate change conversations in Cartagena, Colombia
When engagement sessions with community members around climate change stalled, Preserving Legacies custodians paid attention to local cultural traditions, got creative, and put a climate change spin on a local game to more equitably connect.
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Ready to take action and adapt your heritage?
Apply to join the 2027 Cohort Program! And explore Heritage Adapts!, our open-access hub for climate adaptation.
