Sustainable Development Policies

11.2.6

Recording and Preservation of Cultural and Intangible Heritage

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to formalize the University of Thessaly’s commitment to the recording, documentation, and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage — including local folklore, traditional knowledge, oral history, languages, and artistic practices. The University recognizes the importance of safeguarding the living traditions and collective memory of communities, including displaced populations, as part of Greece’s and humanity’s shared cultural legacy.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all academic, research, and outreach activities related to cultural documentation and preservation undertaken by the University of Thessaly, particularly through: the Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology (IAKA), and the Department of Culture, Creative Media and Industries (DCMI). It encompasses field research, audiovisual documentation, digital archiving, educational programs, exhibitions, and community collaborations.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

The Policy is aligned with: Law 3028/2002 (Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage); Law 4485/2017 (Framework for Higher Education); UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage; UNESCO 2005 Convention on Cultural Diversity; and the University’s Policies ον Public Access to Museums and Contribution to Local Arts and Heritage).

4. Policy Statement

1. The University of Thessaly shall develop and implement projects to record, document, and preserve intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, music, dance, folklore, crafts, and local knowledge systems.
   2. These initiatives shall focus particularly on regional and community heritage, including the traditions of Thessaly and central Greece, as well as the heritage of displaced, minority, and refugee communities.
   3. All research and documentation activities shall be guided by ethical standards, ensuring community consent, cultural sensitivity, and intellectual property protection.
   4. The Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology (IAKA) and the Department of Culture, Creative Media and Industries (DCMI) shall coordinate multidisciplinary actions to document and interpret cultural practices through ethnographic, linguistic, audiovisual, and digital methodologies.
   5. The University shall establish digital archives and public databases to preserve recorded material for academic and public access, ensuring long-term conservation.
   6. Partnerships with cultural institutions, local authorities, and NGOs shall be promoted for the joint safeguarding of cultural heritage.
   7. Educational programs shall integrate cultural heritage themes into curricula, fostering awareness and transmission of living traditions to future generations.
   8. The University shall encourage community participation in documentation projects, empowering local voices and knowledge holders as active partners.
   9. The preservation of cultural heritage shall contribute to sustainable cultural development, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion.
   10. The University shall publish annual reports summarizing heritage projects, collaborations, and outcomes, in line with international reporting frameworks.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Rector oversees policy implementation.
– The Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology (IAKA) manages ethnographic and historical documentation.
– The Department of Culture, Creative Media and Industries (DCMI) develops digital preservation tools, media archives, and creative dissemination projects.
– The Public Relations Office coordinates outreach, exhibitions, and community collaboration.

6. Monitoring and Review

The Public Relations Office and the Departments involved shall submit an annual report to the Rectorate on activities, research outputs, and preservation status. This Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier, as required by legislative or academic developments.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 3028/2002 (Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage);
Law 4485/2017 (Framework for Higher Education);
UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003);
UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005);