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 In a recent episode of the DCNA Austria podcast "Wissenschaft im Einsatz" ("Science in Action"), Anna Puhr, cultural scientist and Deputy Secretary General of Blue Shield Austria, was interviewed alongside Astrid Reisinger Coracini, legal expert from the University of Salzburg and the University of Vienna. The episode explored the protection of cultural heritage during disasters, discussing responsibilities, strategies, and the integration of cultural considerations into disaster management.
DCNA Austria (Disaster Competence Network Austria) is a national network dedicated to disaster preparedness, civil protection, and crisis management, connecting research, practitioners, and public institutions to strengthen resilience across Austrian society. In the podcast, Puhr emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration between cultural institutions, emergency services, and legal bodies to ensure effective protection of cultural property in crisis situations. She highlighted the role of civil society organizations, such as Blue Shield Austria, in providing expertise and facilitating coordination among stakeholders. The discussion also addressed the legal frameworks relevant in disaster scenarios, with Reisinger Coracini explaining the complexities of cultural heritage law and its application during emergencies. The conversation underscored the need for pre-disaster planning, training, and preparedness measures to enhance the resilience of cultural heritage sites. This episode contributes to the broader discourse on integrating cultural heritage protection into disaster risk management and demonstrates the collaborative efforts required to address this multifaceted challenge. The full podcast episode is available on the DCNA Austria website and can also be accessed via platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. On 25 June 2025, the General Assembly of Blue Shield Austria took place at the Palais Dorotheum, during which a new Board was elected to guide the organization’s activities in the coming years. Following the Assembly, a public evening event marked the 30th anniversary of the UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects. The event featured a distinguished panel, including:
The evening concluded with a reception, where participants continued discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among cultural institutions, researchers, and policymakers to safeguard cultural heritage.  On 15 May 2025, Anna Puhr, Deputy Secretary General of Blue Shield Austria and Board Member of Blue Shield International, delivered a lecture at the online meeting DigiTIPS 2025. Hosted by the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T), DigiTIPS is an annual series focusing on the intersection of digital imaging and cultural heritage preservation.
In her presentation, titled “The Blue Shield Approach: Protecting Heritage in Crises and the Potential of New Technologies”, she emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in safeguarding cultural heritage during emergencies. She highlighted that, alongside state institutions and international organizations like UNESCO, CSOs are pivotal in responding swiftly and effectively to crises. A key focus of the lecture was the integration of emerging technologies in cultural heritage protection. Puhr explored how advancements in digital tools and imaging standards are expanding the possibilities for preparedness and response in disaster and conflict contexts. The DigiTIPS 2025 series serves as a platform for professionals to discuss best practices and innovations in cultural heritage imaging. Blue Shield Austria remains committed to advancing the field through collaboration and technological integration.  The protection of cultural property remains of great relevance in a world affected by war and armed conflict. In the latest issue of the Belgian "faro" magazine, Henrike Radermacher and Julie Lambrechts authored an article examining milestones and ongoing challenges in the implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. For this piece, they interviewed Emma Cunliffe (Blue Shield International), Milena Chorna (Ukrainian Museum Association), Constanze Fuhrmann (German Society for Cultural Property Protection e.V.), and Anna Puhr (Blue Shield Austria), who shared insights from research, practice, and field experience. The discussion emphasized several key points:
The article also highlights the seven recommendations to the European Union developed during the expert event “Milestones & Way to Go” organized by Blue Shield Austria and partners. These recommendations outline what actions the EU can, should, and must take to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage in situations of armed conflict and disaster. 25/3/2025 Annual Meeting of the Austrian Emergency Association of Museums and Libraries 2025Read Now
The discussions highlighted that in times of emergency, coordination among many different actors—from cultural institutions and public authorities to civil society organisations—is crucial, and can only succeed with a strong community.  Deputy Secretary General Anna Puhr was invited to speak at this year’s OpenGLAM Kulturhackaton, hosted at FH St. Pölten – University of Applied Sciences from 27–29 January 2025. The event brought together experts and practitioners to explore the intersections of digital innovation, cultural heritage, and sustainability, with a particular focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the Blue Shield Austria session, the focus was placed on the importance of cooperation between different actors in the protection of cultural heritage. The success of safeguarding efforts depends on the interplay of state institutions, international organizations such as UNESCO, and—crucially—civil society. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in particular can respond quickly and flexibly in conflict and crisis situations. Using the example of Blue Shield International and the activities of its national committees, the presentation illustrated how civil society engagement contributes to the protection of cultural property and why continuous exchange and collaboration are essential for the sustainable safeguarding of our cultural heritage. From both a national and international perspective, the work of Blue Shield Austria was presented as part of this global effort. The session was held alongside underwater heritage expert Maja Pace Sausmekat, who introduced the work of Heritage Malta and its initiatives in the field of underwater cultural heritage. The GreenGLAM project provided the thematic framework for the 2025 Kulturhackaton, emphasizing sustainable approaches for cultural institutions (GLAMs – Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) in line with the SDGs. ++ Photos: 4.0 OPENGLAM.AT ++ 11/11/2024 CONFERENCE “CULTURAL PROPERTY PROTECTION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: MEETING REQUIREMENTS ACROSS THE FORCES” in ViennaRead Now From 11 to 13 November 2024, the international conference “Cultural Property Protection in the 21st Century: Meeting Requirements across the Forces” took place at the National Defence Academy in Vienna. The event brought together 100 civilian and military experts from numerous countries to focus on the importance of Cultural Property Protection, especially for armed forces. The conference was opened by Lieutenant General Erich Csitkovits and Defence Secretary General Dr. Arnold Kammel. Federal Minister of Defence Klaudia Tanner and UNESCO Deputy Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, contributed opening words with video messages. The CPP Conference addressed key topics such as the high value of tangible and intangible heritage for societies and armed forces, the legal basis in the event of conflict, and the destruction of cultural property as a war strategy. Special attention was given to the training and implementation of Cultural Heritage Protection within the armed forces and in (civilian) military operations.
The international conference was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1954 “Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict” and as part of the official UNESCO anniversary activities. It was organised by the Austrian National Defence Academy with the support of UNESCO and in cooperation with the University for Continuing Education Krems, the Austrian Society for the Protection of Cultural Property, and Blue Shield Austria. ++ Photos: ÖBH ++
 From 23 to 27 September 2024, Deputy Secretary General Anna Puhr attended the ESDC Cultural Property Protection (CPP) Course, organized by the Center for Cultural Property Protection at the University for Continuing Education Krems. It brought together military, police, and civilian participants from across Europe to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict and crises. Over five days, the course covered international legal frameworks, practical approaches, and best practices, with a strong focus on interagency cooperation and the integration of CPP into security and defence planning.  Anna Puhr also contributed to the course with a lecture on the role of civil society and non-governmental actors in cultural property protection, highlighting the importance of collaboration beyond state institutions. The course concluded with a hands-on scenario training, where participants applied their knowledge in a simulated crisis, reinforcing practical skills in cultural property protection under real-world conditions. All in all, the week conducted under the framework of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) once again demonstrated the relevance of CPP in today’s complex security environment. ++ Photos: Center for Cultural Property Protection ++
While state institutions and international organizations like UNESCO play a key role, civil society—especially NGOs—offers crucial flexibility and rapid response in crises. Using Blue Shield International and its national committees as examples, the lecture highlighted the impact of civil society engagement in cultural property protection and underscored the importance of continuous dialogue for sustainable safeguarding efforts.
++ Photos: ÖBH; Anna Puhr ++
 On 2 July 2024, as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the 1954 Hague Convention, Blue Shield Austria co-organized the symposium “Milestones & Ways to Go” at the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU in Brussels. The event was held in collaboration with the German Society for Cultural Property Protection e.V., the Swiss Society for Cultural Property Protection, Blue Shield Germany, and the Fraunhofer Society, under the patronage of the Austrian Embassy to Belgium and with support from the Austrian Cultural Forum. Bringing together key stakeholders from across Europe, the symposium provided a platform to reflect on the achievements of the Hague Convention and to discuss future challenges in the protection of cultural heritage. The event was structured into two parts: an expert symposium in the afternoon and a public evening with a keynote speech and high-level roundtable discussion in the evening.
This was followed by presentations from Bastien Varoutsikos (ALIPH), Hans Ulrich Gössl (DG ECHO) and Giovanni De Siervo (PROCULTHER-NET). Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, President of Blue Shield Austria, provided insights into the founding principles of Blue Shield in Europe and the organization’s ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation in this field.  The second part of the expert symposium focused on advancing the legal integration and operational implementation of the Hague Convention within EU policies. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, a set of “Seven Recommendations to the European Union” was developed focusing on integrating the 1954 Hague Convention and its Protocols into EU policy to strengthen the EU's global commitment to the protection of cultural heritage, align the protection of cultural heritage with EU policies to promote resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure that is essential for the preservation of cultural heritage.
The subsequent high-level roundtable brought together Emma Cunliffe, Senior Research Associate at the Newcastle University & Secretariat of Blue Shield International, Sanne Letschert, Director of Cultural Emergency Response (CER), Alfio Gullotta, Cultural Heritage Policy Officer at the European, External Action Service (EEAS) and Manfred Pinnegger, Security / Risk Manager for Cultural Institutions and Austrian Contingent Commander in the EUAM Ukraine Mission (2021-2023). Bijan Rouhani, Senior Researcher at the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project at the University of Oxford, moderated the discussion. ++ Photos: Lucinde Wahlen ++
 Recognizing the urgent need for protection, Blue Shield Austria member Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut played a key role in the founding of Blue Shield Armenia, which officially became the 33rd National Committee of the Blue Shield network in 2024. Armenia, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, has long faced threats to its cultural property, particularly following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts of 2020 and 2023.
The establishment of Blue Shield Armenia, supported by both local and international actors, marked a significant step in advocating for international humanitarian law and the protection of Armenian cultural heritage. Blue Shield Austria actively supported the new committee, fostering cooperation in capacity building between the heritage community to enhance cultural property protection efforts. ++ Photo: Jasmin Dum-Tragut ++ On 8 March 2024, the next meeting of the Austrian Cultural Heritage Protection Panel took place and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the panel. Following a festive reception in the foyer of the Federal Criminal Police Office, the Cultural Property Protection Panel met again for the first time after a break of several months. Some established experts who had enriched the panel over the years had retired in the meantime, and new members and/or successors were welcomed. After a brief round of introductions for the newcomers, Executive Vice President of Blue Shield Austria, Friedrich Schipper, recognized the ‘good transition’ of staff departures and arrivals, recalled what had been achieved so far and encouraged the panel members to think about new opportunities and perspectives. The meeting was characterized by constructive discussions and a clear consensus on the continuation and development of the work. It marks an important step for the panel's future and the beginning of a promising anniversary year of the 1954 Hague Convention.  11/2/2024 Book Presentation & Roundtable on "the endangered Cultural Heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh" in viennaRead Now
On 9th February 2024, the presentation of “Caucasian Albania: An International Handbook” took place at the Armenian Embassy in Austria. The handbook was co-edited by Austrian Armenologist Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut and German Caucasiologist Dr. Jost Gippert. In his opening speech, H.E. Armen Papikyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Austria, expressed gratitude to the authors of the book for their dedication to countering Azerbaijan's efforts to erase the rich Armenian cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh, to misappropriate it as “Caucasian Albanian”. He emphasized the importance of resisting historical revisionism and falsification attempts. Following the book presentation, a panel discussion ensued regarding the endangered Armenian cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh. The panel included Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut, Dr. Jost Gippert, Dr. Friedrich Schipper (Executive Vice President of Blue Shield Austria), and Anna Puhr (Board Member of the Blue Shield International).  ++ Photos & Source: Embassy of Armenia to Austria ++ 6/2/2024 WORKING GROUP “CPP 1954” FOR PUBLICATION “EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR AUSTRIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE INSITUTIONS”Read Now The Working Group „CPP 1954“, established in 2024 by ICOM Austria, the Federal Ministry of Culture, the Austrian UNESCO Commission, the Federal Monuments Office, the Austrian Armed Forces/National Defence Academy, and Blue Shield Austria, has been active throughout the year 2024.
Formed to mark the 70th anniversary of the Hague Convention, the group is developing a publication on preparatory and emergency measures for the protection of cultural property in Austria, set for release in 2025. Drawing on guidelines from UNESCO, ICOM, ICCROM, and insights from Austrian and international experts, the handbook “Emergency Management for Austrian Cultural Heritage Institutions” will provide practical guidance for risk assessment and emergency planning. It will outline strategies for damage prevention and mitigation, emphasizing the importance of individual emergency plans, threat assessments, and coordinated response measures. ++ Photo: OEUK/Florian Meixner ++ From 29th November to 1st December 2023, the 26th „Archives, Libraries, Museums“ Seminar was held in Poreč (Istria) with a focus on „cultural heritage and risk management“ and presenting the 2023 established Croatian Committee of the Blue Shield to the local heritage community. Amongst others, seminar contributions came from Blue Shield International President Peter Stone, Olivera Dzartovska-Tachevska from Blue Shield of North Macedonia as well as Anna Puhr & Constantin Staus-Rausch who shared insights on Blue Shield Austria Activities & Safeguarding Endangered Archives in Austria. The Seminar provided a platform for valuable discussions and insights, contributing to the ongoing efforts in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Croatia and beyond.   Towards world heritage stewardship  The 28th Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies with the topic “Cultural Heritage as a Resource: Technologies for the Paradigm Shift in Archaeology, Conservation and Education” took place from 15th November to 17th November 2023 welcoming around 200 people on-site and around 60 people online from over 30 different countries.
On 17 November the roundtable „Towards world heritage stewardship?“ took place at the town hall in Vienna. The technological possibilities for digital preservation of cultural heritage have increased enormously over the past decades. Economical and universally available tools, such as image-based 3D reconstruction and digital mapping, have opened the way to full recording and preservation of material and immaterial heritage. But as global challenges, such as rapid environmental change, increase the pressure on digital preservation, essential questions arise from the long-term view: Who should be entrusted with the stewardship of international digital heritage? How and where can digital heritage be curated, to ensure that it will be available to many future generations? What will happen with the digital heritage of nations and communities that cannot physically preserve their own heritage? How can we make sure that political or financial factors will not impede digital access to heritage? These demanding questions were discussed with diverse stakeholders, such as NGOs, academia, state institutions and the general public. On behalf of Blue Shield Austria, Constantin Staus Rausch took part in the roundtable. Preserving digital heritage demands a multifaceted approach, from creating digital archives and collaborating with institutions to integrating with cultural organizations and NGOs where open- source initiatives and community involvement are vital. The goal is evident: ensure long-term accessibility and preservation with transparency, inclusivity, and adaptability to technological changes. Blue Shield's Digital Cultural Heritage Representative is Anna Puhr. ++ More Information on the Conference: chnt.at ++  On 28th October and 11th November 2023, Blue Shield Austria General-Secretary Leylya Strobl held online workshops with Ukrainian colleagues from the NGO sector.
Amongst the participants were Roerich Museum staff, voluntary cultural heritage supporters as well as a representative from the heritage authority. The workshop focused on "Cultural Heritage: Its Place in Human Life and the Protective Mechanisms of the Hague Convention of 1954“ emphasizing the significance of the Convention in preserving and protecting cultural heritage in view of the current Russian invasion of Ukraine.  From 26th to 28th October 2023, an International Workshop on Armenian Cultural Heritage took place in Tsaghkunk, Armenia, organized by the Armenian Studies Division of the Center for the Study of the Christian East at the University of Salzburg and the Department of Cultural Studies at Yerevan State University, co-organized by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography at the RA Academy of Sciences (Yerevan), the DAR Foundation and Blue Shield Austria. The workshop aimed to discuss the identification, documentation, and treatment of cultural heritage in Armenia, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, especially in the face of armed conflicts and targeted destruction of cultural assets. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions on various theoretical approaches from different academic disciplines and to adapt them to the complex situation in Armenia. A highlight of the workshop was the field experience day during which participants visited selected cultural heritage sites in the Gegharkunik province gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the preservation of cultural assets in the region. The involvement of the Gagarin Project, dedicated to the protection and development of cultural heritage in Gegharkunik, provided a practical context for addressing specific experiences. Output of the International Workshop on Armenian Cultural Heritage is „The Tsaghkunk Declaration on Armenian Cultural Heritage Identification, Documentation and Handling (Management) (2023)“ concluding in the call for a revised concept of Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Armenia. 25/10/2023 Event on the "Protection and Destruction of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage" in ViennaRead NowOn 25th October 2023 Blue Shield Austria together with Paneuropa and the Austrian Peacekeepers invited to a thematic evening focused on "The War in Ukraine: Protecting and Preserving Cultural Heritage“ in Vienna.  Guest speaker Manfred Pinnegger, former National State Security Advisor at the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine gave firsthand insights into the coordination of the cultural property protection program that he established during his duty in Kyiv. Board member Leylya Strobl contributed with a thematic impulse on cultural heritage and identity whilst board member Anna Puhr reported on Blue Shield International activities in the Ukraine war context. Insights into current challenges and the international community's role in preserving cultural heritage were shared by the speakers. Commitment to collaborative efforts was expressed underlining the imperative of protecting cultural heritage in Ukraine and globally.  When there is a fire, or a flood, or any form of crisis, what to save first is a critical question. Emergency responders and heritage staff need quick clear directions to take the most important items in a collection to safety. That’s why ICOM-Austria with the support of Blue Shield Austria and Blue Shield International, have developed a special tag to clearly and consistently mark objects that should be saved first from storage, making it easier for organizations and evacuation teams responding in crisis to find and rescue them in an emergency. The tag marks objects that should be evacuated as a priority, and is easy to see thanks to its highly reflective surface. The design and all guidance is available open access online – as long as it is used in accordance with the rules for international emblems. The blue shield distinctive emblem is a protective symbol used during armed conflicts. Its use is regulated at all times by national law, international humanitarian law, and customary law, through the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and its Second Protocol of 1999. “Having a consistent tool that prepares responders for crisis is very important. The blue shield is an internationally recognised emblem that identifies important objects that should be protected in a conflict – those preparations can also help in disaster and crisis. Blue Shield was delighted to support this initiative – sometimes it’s the smallest practical tools that can make a big difference”. Blue Shield International The tag was developed in coordination with the Austrian Emergency-Platform for Museums and Libraries and the Historical Monuments Office under the conditions of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association. It will be used in all museums in Austria: many regional responders have already undergone training and exercises. The website also provides guidance for prioritizing collections and for evacuating them safely. “Too often our heritage is lost because we simply weren’t prepared. We encourage anyone responsible for any type of collections to think about emergency response. Once there is a crisis, it’s far too late. Only by being proactive in peacetime, by prioritising collections, and training with emergency responders, can we protect the items we hold in trust. As those who wrote the 1954 Hague Convention knew, “damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the culture of the world; [so …] the preservation of the cultural heritage is of great importance”. I hope this tool helps protect collections into the future”.
Dr Emma Cunliffe, Co-Editor of Safeguarding in the 1954 Hague Convention: All Possible Steps? [Boydell Press, 2022] 24/8/2023 30th Anniversary of the German Society for the Protection of Cultural Property in GrimmaRead NowAnna Puhr, Blue Shield Austria Deputy General Secretary, attended the 30th anniversary conference of the German Society for the Protection of Cultural Property (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kulturgutschutz e.V.) under the motto "From Looking Back to Looking Forward" taking place from 25th to 27th August 2023 in the old town hall of Grimma. The program consisted of a series of commemorative lectures looking back at the founding period of the German Society for the Protection of Cultural Property, lecture blocks by German, Swiss and Austrian colleagues, a panel discussion and a tour along the flood protection facility in Grimma, which has been fully constructed since 2022. Alongside Blue Shield Germany, Anna Puhr reported on the work of Blue Shield Austria and the contribution to the protection of cultural property from the Austrian perspective. Blue Shield Austria congratulates on the 30th anniversary of German Society for the Protection of Cultural Property and looks forward to the future cooperation!   At the event with the motto "Help each other, appreciate each other!" on 12th and 13th June 2023, more than 30 archivists gathered to delve into the current state and future perspectives of archival cooperation.The two days in Vienna were highly informative, provided interesting professional insights and also offered enough space for personal exchange. Order archives and cultural heritage protection Friedrich Schipper provided an additional perspective on archives of religious orders. The fact that archives are not immune to being destroyed by wars or catastrophes was vividly demonstrated by him with several examples, including the current Ukraine War, the Beirut Blast 2020 and the flood in Prague in 2002. He further highlighted that the international community has defined standards under international law, which were adopted within the framework of UNESCO and converted into domestic law by the Austrian Parliament. Particular importance was also attached to the "Blue Shield" network which aims to place cultural property under an imaginary protective shield in the event of armed conflicts. The next annual conference of ARGE Order Archives will take place from 8 to 10 April 2024 together with ARGE Order Archives of Germany. The venue will be Schloss Fürstenried in Munich.
++ More information ++ Photos: ÖOK/km On 31st May 2023 the Blue Shield held its General Assembly, and elected a new Board:  From the National Committees,
The founding four organisation have nominated the following representatives:
Ömer Dabanli and Gerrit deBruin were re-elected to the auditing committee. ++ More information ++ |
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