Discover the achievements of the 2014-2020 NPA projects

Seven years of cooperation between people, communities, and organisations across thousands of kilometres made a difference in the Northern Periphery and Arctic regions.

Browse the NPA map of results to discover our stories of cooperation. Pick a dot from the map and scroll down to read  about people who have met similar minded colleagues and together found solutions for their shared challenges.

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A medieval castle at risk being washed away

Protecting cultural heritage from climate change threats

The medieval caste ruins of the historic Ballinskelligs Castle and the graveyard with the ruins of Ballinskelligs Abbey lie on the shoreline of the Iveragh peninsula in Western Ireland. Due to their coastal location, both sites are exposed to severe storms and rising sea levels. A massive concrete seawall that has been build to protect the graveyard and the church is now itself degrading under the forces of water and wind.  Inspired by the project´s toolkit, the Irish partners prepared Climate Risk Management Plans for Ballinskelligs Abbey and Castle, where they reviewed the risks related to both sites and stated which adaptation measures should be taken to mitigate the impacts of climate change.  As a result of the project, the Office of Public Works is now using the Climate Risk Management Plan for Ballinskelligs Abbey to inform their conservation policies for this place.

Photo credit: CHERISH and Historic Environment Scotland

Jacqui Donnelly

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The workshops at Ballinskelligs were important in bringing together stakeholders from statutory authorities, community and research groups. Important lessons were learned.

Some direct results of ANH project are that it has inspired further research at these sites and an increased focus on assessing their vulnerability to climate impacts. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht accepted the invitation to participate in the ANH Forum and hope to continue our engagement with the important work that has resulted from this project.