August 2, 2025 -18:10-18:40 – 1st TALK (Matina Vrettou)
Intangible Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development
The Operational Directives for the Implementation of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage state that nations should recognize and build the links between intangible heritage and sustainable development. Along each of the latter’s three dimensions – social, environmental, economic – intangible cultural heritage can effectively act as a tool to implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development if its safeguarding is fully integrated into development plans, policies and programs.
The talk provides an overview of intangible cultural heritage and its key traits and presents its manifestations according to the five ʻdomainsʼ that underpin UNESCO’s Convention. Drawing on work undertaken in Morocco and Oman by the University of Liverpool’s ArCHIAM Centre, the talk demonstrates how different forms of intangible cultural heritage can help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG4 : Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
SHORT BIO: MATINA VRETTOU
Matina holds a BA in Architecture from the University of Plymouth and a MArch from Nottingham Trent University. Between and after her studies, she has worked in architectural practices in Greece, and as an architectural educator in Greece, Spain, and the UK. Since 2014 she has been a registered professional architect in Greece. In 2016, she established her own design studio focusing on the use of natural materials and community participation in design.
In 2017, she joined ArCHIAM (Centre for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia and the Maghreb) at the University of Liverpool as a research assistant, working on research, pedagogic and design projects with a focus on vernacular built environments and cultural heritage. Since 2021, she has been a part-time design tutor at the Liverpool School of Architecture, teaching and contributing to a variety of modules across BA, MArch and MA courses. In parallel she works as a consultant in Greece, Italy and the UK, organising educational initiatives and workshops for students and professionals.
Join us either in Vitsa, Zagori, or online, for an immersive series of workshops exploring the intersection of architecture, folklore, and intangible heritage.
Featuring distinguished speakers from Greece and abroad:
Scheduled Talks:
- July 31, 2025 – 18:00-18:15 – “Definitions and Perspectives of Intangible Cultural Heritage” – Spyridon St. Kogkas – Co-founder & CEO at Imagine Heritage
- July 31, 2025 – 18:15-18:30 – “Kalderimi – Accessible Road” – Eleni Gazi – Past President and CEO of ELIX for 35 years.
- August 1, 2025 – 18:00-18:40 – Pathways / Stone Paths / Roads – Experiencing their change through time. – Dr. Maria Balodimou -MSc. Conservation of Monuments and Sites – KUL, Belgium/Teaching Staff – School of Architecture NTUA / Researcher
- August 1, 2025 – 18:40-19:10 – “Participation of volunteers in actions related to the promotion and protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Greece” – Nicholas Raissis – Economist, IT Consultant, former Coordinator of the NGOs Campaign for the Constitution and Institutions, active member of the ARCHELON association
- Interactive Livestream Sessions by the University of Liverpool’s ArCHIAM Centre:
- August 2, 2025 -18:10-18:40 – “Intangible Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development” – Matina Vrettou – Research Assistant within ArCHIAM Centre
- August 2, 2025 -18:50-19:20 – “Safeguarding Traditional Earth Building Crafts through Digitally Aided Knowledge Transfer” – Dr. Giamila Quattrone – Senior Lecturer at Liverpool School of Architecture and Co-Director of ArCHIAM Centre and Pasquale Larosa – Research Assistant within ArCHIAM Centre.
These sessions will be open to local, national & international audiences, with live streaming and captioned recordings available via Imagine Heritage’s platform.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with heritage experts and participate in vibrant cultural dialogue!