Petra
Ifugao Rice Terraces
Koutammakou
Kherlen River Basin
Sceilg Mhichíl
Shenkeng District
Koutammakou
Himalayas
Cartagena de Indias
Champagne
Angkor
Rideau Canal
Rock of Cashel
Tijuana River Estuary

Protect our Past, Save our Future

In the face of climate change, we need heritage now more than ever — both as the foundation for community resilience and as a source of climate solutions. Let's adapt the places our communities cherish most to ensure a future where all may thrive.

Understanding climate risk, taking adaptation action

Climate change is the fastest growing threat to the heritage places and practices that define and connect us. Locally led adaptation that weaves together scientific, Indigenous, and local knowledge is the key to safeguarding them. It starts with breaking down the barriers to climate education, localized climate data, and shared knowledge, through training, tools, and a network of heritage practitioners, community leaders, scientists, policymakers, and storytellers. We adapt better together!

Supported by the National Geographic Society

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Our Impact

121

Places & practices engaged in climate adaptation

803

Local leaders taking action

47

Countries where the work is happening

Programs & Initiatives

Our paths to climate action

Climate Custodian Cohort Program

Flagship Cohort Program for 10 Sites a Year

Our team of experts guide and mentor selected local custodians through a 3-year climate adaptation program — from climate education to risk assessment and locally led action.

Heritage Adapts! Community of Action

Open Access Adaptation for Anyone

Our free online hub for self-guided climate adaptation and connection with others on the frontlines of climate change.

Interested in custom collaboration? Contact us about our Climate Literacy Trainings and more here.

“I am excited to use my training to protect the area's cultural heritage and gain new experiences. Despite frequent droughts and severe winters, we are confident in preserving our nomadic farming, cultural heritage and historical monuments."

“Preserving Legacies has been a wonderful space for the exchange of experiences from different countries that has allowed us to implement new methodologies to understand, from the local context, the impact of climate change on the cultural heritage of Cartagena de Indias Colombia.”

"Preserving Legacies has been a wonderful experience which has equipped us to respond to climate change at the Mosque City of Bagerhat. It has been amazing to meet so many incredible people from around the world dedicated to responding to climate change and I look forward to continuing our journey together."

"With the increasing negative impacts of climate change, projects like Preserving Legacies support communities around the world to protect their cultural heritage in a proactive, sustainable, locally-led way, which is ultimately what leads to success in heritage preservation in the long run."

Ian Miller
Chief Science and Innovation Officer, National Geographic Society

Ready to take action and adapt your heritage?

Apply to join the 2027 Cohort Program! And explore Heritage Adapts!, our open-access hub for climate adaptation.

Cohort Applications Now Open!

Apply for our 2027 Cohort Program now through January 8, 2027.

Apply