Stecci

Novi Sad Workshop on Willingness to Pay for the Preservation of Stećci

As part of WP6, Task 6.1, the UNSPMF team organised a workshop in Novi Sad on 12 November focused on assessing the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the preservation of Stećci. Participants were introduced to the project’s goals and methodology and took part in a two-phase survey, before and after an educational session, to capture changes in awareness and willingness to support conservation financially. The workshop offered valuable input for the economic valuation of Stećci and confirmed the growing recognition of their cultural importance under climate change.

Split Workshop on Willingness to Pay for the Preservation of Stećci

As part of WP6, Task 6.1, the UDG team, in cooperation with the Academy of Arts in Split (UAA), organised a workshop in Split on 11 November to assess the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the preservation of Stećci. The event combined short lectures and discussion with a two-round survey conducted before and after the educational session, in order to measure changes in awareness, attitudes and readiness to contribute financially. The results provide important insights into how the public perceives Stećci and the need to protect them from the impacts of climate change.

Day 3 of the Interdisciplinary Workshop on Analytical Methods in Conservation Science focused on the practical application of scientific methods in heritage preservation. Participants explored optical and electron microscopy (OM, SEM-EDS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and FTIR through parallel demonstrations led by international experts. The program concluded with an open discussion, key takeaways, and the distribution of certificates, marking the successful completion of the workshop and collaboration between all STECCI partners.

Day 2 of the "Interdisciplinary Workshop and Knowledge Spill-over on the Enhanced Application of Analytical Methods in Conservation Science" focused on analytical and material-science approaches in heritage conservation at the University of Sarajevo and online. Sessions combined ultrasonic pulse velocity testing with digital methods (including tomography) and examined how XRD and microscopy help interpret the behavior of mineral building materials.

The program also revisited the story behind the Stećci UNESCO World Heritage nomination, emphasizing historical context and documentation. The day closed with lessons on interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on XRD practical demonstrations.

Day 1 of the STECCI Interdisciplinary Workshop in Sarajevo, brought together researchers from across Europe to exchange knowledge on the scientific and digital preservation of medieval heritage.

Participants explored cross-disciplinary methods connecting chemistry, conservation, and digital technologies, setting the stage for three days of collaborative work and field activities.

Stay tuned for more insights from the workshop in the coming days!

STECCI Interdisciplinary workshop and knowledge spill-over on the enhanced application of analytical methods in conservation science, UNSA, Sarajevo, BiH, 29-31 October

Link for registration https://forms.gle/SBQBSejth6fUjQMH6

Full Agenda: https://steccihorizoneu.com/stecci-interdisciplinary-workshop-sarajevo/

The Interdisciplinary Workshop on Analytical Horizons in Heritage Conservation is a three-day event dedicated to exploring innovative analytical approaches in the field of heritage conservation.

It brings together researchers, conservators, and heritage professionals from across Europe to share expertise on non-invasive diagnostics, climate impact assessment, material characterization, and sustainable preservation practices.

By combining lectures, case studies, and practical sessions, the workshop provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue between science and conservation.

The ultimate goal is to enhance our collective capacity to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on Europe’s cultural heritage.

1st STECCI Conference 2025
Day 3 - Excursions and Closing Highlights (27.9.2025)

The third and final day of the 1st STECCI Conference 2025 was dedicated to excursions across Vienna, giving participants the opportunity to experience cultural heritage in practice.

Three parallel excursions were offered: a visit to the Votive Church, where attendees explored the newly opened museum and learned about recent conservation projects led by the University of Applied Arts Vienna; an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, which provided behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of preserving a world-famous monument while addressing the pressures of mass tourism; and a walking tour through Vienna’s historic First District, which revealed hidden gems of the city and sparked lively discussions on stone and architectural conservation, as well as the history and urban development of Vienna.

With more than 200 participants (both on-site and online) and over 35 presentations, poster and oral, covering diverse disciplines, the conference successfully fostered dialogue at the intersection of cultural heritage and climate change. Throughout, the atmosphere was both professional and welcoming, creating a genuine space for the exchange of ideas and expertise.

Although Vienna welcomed the conference with grey skies and rain, the sun appeared just in time for the final day, providing perfect conditions for the excursions and a fitting conclusion to a memorable and successful gathering.

We warmly thank all participants and look forward to the second STECCI Conference in Malta in two years’ time!

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 2 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

The second day of the 1st STECCI Conference was dedicated to exploring how digital innovation and socio-economic perspectives are reshaping the future of cultural heritage preservation. The morning sessions focused on the digitalisation of cultural heritage, presenting state-of-the-art approaches such as 3D scanning, neural rendering, and photogrammetry, alongside new methodologies for documenting, interpreting, and analysing cultural assets. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of standardisation, metadata, and paradata management, crucial elements for ensuring the transparency, reproducibility, and long-term usability of digital heritage data.

The afternoon programme shifted towards the social and economic dimensions of heritage in the context of climate change, highlighting the role of citizen science, participatory approaches, and economic valuation in developing sustainable preservation strategies. Discussions addressed the integration of heritage into climate policy and the potential of cultural assets to contribute to social cohesion and local development.

For more information visit steccihorizoneu.com

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 1 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

The opening day of the 1st STECCI Conference in Vienna unfolded in an inspiring and engaging atmosphere, thanks to the outstanding organisation and warm welcome by the Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien. Experts and researchers from across the world shared new perspectives on how climate change is transforming the conservation of stone monuments, from vulnerability assessments and GIS-based analyses to sustainable preservation strategies and innovative materials.

Inspiring talks, lively discussions, and a vibrant online poster session highlighted the power of collaboration and set an exciting tone for the day ahead.

The day concluded in true Viennese spirit with a convivial Heuriger gathering, where participants continued exchanging ideas, strengthening professional connections in a warm and informal setting, all against the charming backdrop of the beautiful city of Vienna.

For more info visit steccihorizoneu.com

In this episode of Restaurierung Uncovered podcast, Univ.-Ass. Mag. Marija Milcin talks about her research on climate-induced material loss of carbonate rocks in outdoor environments, a topic she investigates as part of her dissertation and the STECCI project.

Stecci | Natural Stone Objects And Climate Change, Interview With Marija Milchin, August 3, 2025 Full Interview Episode Description In this episode of Restaurierung Uncovered podcast, Univ.-Ass. Mag. Marija Milchin talks about her research on climate-induced material loss of carbonate rocks in outdoor environments, a topic she investigates as part of her dissertation and the STECCI project. The...

As the first STECCI Summer Academy comes to a close, we wrapped up the week with powerful reflections and inspiring creative sessions.

Participants explored real-life case studies, reimagined ways to apply citizen science, and shared insights on how to bring these practices into their communities. Through open discussion, collective thinking, and a touch of creativity, we ended the academy with a strong sense of connection and purpose.

This is just the beginning, thank you to everyone who made it meaningful. See you in the next chapter!

As part of the Summer Academy 1, we opened a poster exhibition highlighting project activities and community-driven efforts to preserve stećci. The exhibition, set in the atmospheric cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, will be open to the public for the next two weeks.

The evening was brought to life by students from the Art Academy, whose moving performance unfolded for a spontaneous audience; curious passersby, visitors, and friends of heritage alike.

It turned into a beautiful gathering; artists, project participants, students, academia representatives , and guests stayed to talk, reflect, and enjoy the unique setting. A shared moment of connection, creativity, and care for our cultural landscapes.