The rich natural and cultural heritage is a defining element of the place identity and a key component of the territorial capital of regions, able to enhance social cohesion, employment, economic growth and stimulate place-base policies.

As part of the events for the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the international Event “Nature and Culture-based strategies and solutions for cities and territories: an idea whose time has come!” is an occasion to reflect on the place that cultural and natural heritage occupies both in our lives and for territorial development, and to alert about the need to protect such unique values for the future generations.

The event is not strictly European and aims at bringing together cities and territories from all over the world that plan or implement innovative nature and culture-based solutions, thus creating a world-wide forum of exchange. Scientists, academia, policy-makers, representatives of cities and regions together with entreprises, private and social ones and citizens will meet in order to discuss key issues gathered in eight different thematic areas.

The event is organised by the international non-profit entreprise “SDMed Observation Planning and Eco-Innovation” and supported by Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and the School of Applied Arts and Culture of the University of West Attica.