THE PROJECT
OBJECTIVES
Through intensive and participatory research in five countries (Spain, France, Italy, Montenegro, the UK) and wider European research and knowledge exchange, IRIS will:
DEMONSTRATE
how knowledge of historical processes and land use practices supports the conservation and sustainable development of upland landscape
DEFINE
a ‘living heritage’ approach to conservation and best practices through which local stakeholders can embed their cultural values, local expertise and traditions
PROVIDE
local and European policy makers with new tools that will enable them to take into account the historical dimension of rural places, and implement a ‘living heritage’ approach to decision-making
CREATE
a new research framework that advances knowledge of upland cultural heritage and its wider social and environmental values and benefits
COMMUNICATE
and disseminate the research results at local, European and wider international levels
SUPPORT
collaboration among local institutions and communities and realise effective and diverse participation in the conservation, protection, sustainable development and use of upland landscapes
METHODS
The ‘living heritage’ approach investigates how land use practices have shaped the characteristics of landscapes, places and habitats over time. This requires inter-disciplinary research and IRIS will use various disciplinary methods and techniques (e.g. interviews, group workshops, archive research, archaeological and historical ecological fieldwork). It also requires significant stakeholder collaboration, and the IRIS research team will work closely with our Associate Partners and case study authorities, residents, land owners, managers and users, schools and businesses. The sharing of knowledge will be facilitated by translating material from the fieldwork into social media content, short films, virtual exhibitions and other outputs.