Heritage interpretation

Being touched by a heritage site, considering how it relates to us, and how it can help to shape our common future – this is what distinguishes good heritage interpretation. Heritage interpretation takes place in various locations, such as protected areas, historic sites, zoos or museums. It is supported by a broad range of approaches from guided walks to sophisticated exhibitions. Many people working at heritage sites are good interpreters and can encourage good heritage interpretation even if they are not aware that it is an increasingly important profession.

Interpret Europe – European Association for Heritage Interpretation

Learning from our heritage is essential for building European citizenship. Learning is most powerful where real things can be experienced first-hand, in places such as protected landscapes and historic towns, monuments and museums, zoos and botanical gardens. Interpret Europe brings all these sites and venues together. Joining Interpret Europe provides opportunities to share experiences on how to make European heritage more meaningful to people with a network of more than 800 professionals, enterprises and academic institutions in more than 48 countries. IE provides its members with networking and training opportunities, webinars, conferences and news. More information

Sciaena

The local partner for Interpret Europe’s conference in 2026 is the non-governmental association Sciaena which is based in Faro. Sciaena is one of the partners of The Big Green consortium, contributing its experience in environmental awareness and knowledge in crucial and urgent issues which face the ocean and our society.

Sciaena believes in interdisciplinarity and awareness. They want to create a bridge between scientific knowledge and society, valuing the opinion and activity of all stakeholders. From this they will develop measures and action strategies to improve the state of ecosystems in an integrated manner. Sciaena is an open door to communication, information, training, education and knowledge.

Scientific knowledge, based on years of research, is seldom passed to the general population who often refuse to accept rules that they don’t understand. The identification of this obstacle to a coherent and sustainable management regime led to the formation of Sciaena which was born from the need for communication and sharing of knowledge and experiences. These include various fields of action from research to management and considering their relevance and application in marine and coastal areas.

Mar Motto

Sciaena’s annual artistic festival of ocean-related environmental awareness – was selected as one of the four festivals which will serve as a showcase for the work being done under The Big Green and will be held in 2026 in parallel with the Interpret Europe conference.

The Big Green

Interpret Europe’s conference in 2026 will be part of The Big Green project which brings together European associations and organizations to create, promote and experiment with different innovative ways of using art to promote sustainability. This project is co-funded by the European Union and its consortium of participants is highly diverse, from cultural organizations to environmental associations, universities and theatres.