The aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage is to encourage more people to discover and engage with Europe's cultural heritage, and to reinforce a sense of belonging to a common European space.

The slogan for the year is: Our heritage: where the past meets the future.

On the occasion of the official launch of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the EUROPARC Federation  and Interpret Europe announced a partnership, focusing on the role of natural heritage to explore cultural identity.

Both entities have agreed to co-operate on a project:

  • Focusing on the role of natural heritage to explore cultural identity 
  • Investigating ways that heritage interpretation can encourage citizens to reflect upon this relationship.

In many cases, cultural identity is rooted in the connection to the land. Heritage interpretation is a powerful medium to help communities appreciate their history and challenge their future.


This partnership brings together parks, communities and experts in interpretation. 

Activities in 2018

Throughout the Year, the EUROPARC Federation and Interpret Europe will focus on four key events:

  1. Seminar ‘Natural Heritage as Part of Cultural Identity’ in Siggen, Germany – Registrations are now open! 
  2. Conference ‘Heritage and Identity’ in Kőszeg, Hungary
  3. Conference ‘European Parks: Inspired by the Next Generation’ in Aviemore, UK
  4. Presentation of the key project results at a seminar in Brussels, Belgium