The Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches (SAGA) project officially launched with its kick-off meeting held on November 18-19, 2024, at the Archivo Histórico Nacional (AHN) in Madrid, Spain. The two-day event brought together project partners from across Europe to discuss the roadmap for enhancing archival resilience and promoting sustainable practices in line with the European Green Deal.
Key Highlights from the Kick-off Meeting:
- Welcome Address: The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Head of the Spanish State Archives and the Director of the National Historical Archive, emphasizing the project’s significance in preserving European documentary heritage.
- Work Package Presentations:
- Project Management (WP1): Partners discussed project governance, cooperation agreements, and budget management strategies to ensure smooth operations.
- Risk Management (WP2): An initial pilot survey will assess the preparedness of archival institutions across Europe in relation to climate change and disaster management.
- Green Practices (WP3): The project will conduct an environmental self-assessment to identify sustainable improvements in archival institutions’ operations.
- Capacity Building (WP4): Plans were shared for hybrid workshops and digital training courses to raise awareness and foster sustainable practices within the sector.
- Communication and Outreach (WP5): A dedicated project website and social media strategy will ensure broad visibility and engagement.
- Workshops and Site Visits: Attendees participated in a professional tour of the National Historical Archives and the Institute of Cultural Heritage of Spain, gaining insights into conservation challenges and opportunities.
What’s Next?
SAGA partners are now focused on the implementation of the first pilot initiatives, including risk assessment studies and the development of sustainable archival solutions. The next steps include rolling out training workshops and launching the SAGA communication plan to engage stakeholders across Europe.