The first diagnostic workshop, co-organized by the OWHC General Secretariat and the Regional Secretariat for Central and Eastern Europe based in Warsaw, brought together representatives from the cities of Budapest, Chernivtsi, Kotor, Split, Vilnius, Warsaw, and Zamosc.
Using the main tool of the Program, the OWHC Risk-Preparedness Checklist, participants exchanged good practices in identifying, evaluating and preventing risks in historic centers. They left feeling encouraged in their current efforts or with ideas to stimulate the development of risk management strategies. Participants also proposed to enrich the OWHC Assistance Program in case of Emergencies.
The General Secretariat intends to propose the organization of at least one more regional workshop in 2025, and two in 2026 before the next OWHC World Congress. The aim is to establish diagnoses and support around 40 member cities in order to accelerate the implementation of concrete actions to reduce the risks threatening historic centers and better prepare member cities for possible disasters.