Architectural Heritage and Sustainable Development of Small and Medium Cities in South Mediterranean Regions, Proceedings of First International Research Seminar of FORUM UNESCO – University and Heritage

The seminar is a way of involving researchers and helping to debate about Europe’s relations with the South Mediterranean Regions in the field of architectural heritage and local sustainable development of small and medium cities. The project is intended to provide a tool for research, dissemination and debate, a forum in which the perspectives of different stakeholders can be shared and developed. A session of the Seminar will be specifically dedicated to research on the Draa Valley and the Ksar of Tamnougalt (Morocco) The main objectives of the Seminar are: - to present and discuss results of research on urban settlements of Draa Valley in Morocco as a specific case study - to provide an opportunity to gain a wider perspective on key research developments on the theme of sustainable development in the South Mediterranean region which is characterized by an important architectural heritage; - to provide an opportunity to discuss on strategies for improving effectiveness of research and cooperation between EU and the South Mediterranean Region oriented to a sustainable and appropriate development of historic small and medium cities; - to link academic and research institutions, public administrations and NGOs more closely and effectively in order to develop project proposals in higher education and research - to review, analyse, monitor and evaluate research papers and papers or posters on the various aspects of architectural heritage management and sustainability in development in order to enable the establishment/setting up/ formulation of plans of actions and propositions for appropriate research and practice. The objective of this scientific seminar is to address the notion, process and practice of sustainability in architectural and urban development through the investigation of key topics.