Episode 6 of the "Digging Digital" podcast series released: Sustainable Governance and Territorial Integration
07/08/2026
The ARCHAEODIGIT project is pleased to announce the release of the sixth episode of its podcast series, "Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast." Developed within the framework of the project's training and communication activities, the series explores innovative approaches to the valorisation of archaeological heritage through digital skills, communication, sustainable management, and audience engagement.
Following the thematic structure of the ARCHAEODIGIT Joint Training Courses, the podcast series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss key topics related to the digital transformation and sustainable management of archaeology and cultural heritage. Through conversations and practical examples, the series provides valuable insights for cultural heritage professionals, tourism operators, researchers, students, public authorities, and anyone interested in making archaeological heritage more accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
Episode 6: Sustainable Governance and Territorial Integration
The sixth episode continues the exploration of modern heritage management, addressing a crucial question for the future of cultural heritage: how archaeological parks can become truly sustainable and positively impact modern society.
Hosted by Giovanni Chelli, PhD student from UniMc, the episode features Prof. Roberto Perna, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Macerata (UniMC). Together, they dive deep into the concept of territorial integration, challenging the idea of treating archaeological parks as isolated "open-air museums." Instead, Prof. Perna frames them as living, transforming portions of the wider landscape through the implementation of a "Common Sustainable Governance Model."
During the conversation, Prof. Perna discusses the legacy of the TRANSFER project, illustrating how previous European cross-border collaborations laid the groundwork for ARCHAEODIGIT. He highlights how the Adriatic region shares common historical structures and management challenges, requiring unified, strategic approaches across borders.
A central theme of the episode is the shift toward community-driven planning. Inspired by the principles of the Faro Convention, Prof. Perna explains the importance of moving beyond traditional top-down approaches - such as standard UNESCO designations - to empower citizens and local communities to actively participate in territorial governance.
The discussion also touches upon the vital role of education in shaping the future of heritage management. Prof. Perna emphasizes the need for training the next generation of archaeologists to step out of their academic bubbles, engage in continuous dialogue with other professionals, and learn how to successfully balance the strict protection of heritage with legitimate socio-economic development.
Continuing the journey through digital archaeology
"Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast" consists of 20 episodes, organised into thematic modules reflecting the project's training programme. Future episodes will continue exploring digital communication, innovative technologies, archaeological park management, heritage interpretation, audience engagement, sustainable tourism, and collaborative approaches to preserving and promoting archaeological heritage across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The podcast series represents another step in ARCHAEODIGIT's commitment to strengthening the skills of professionals working in archaeology and cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among institutions, researchers, tourism stakeholders, public authorities, and local communities.
Follow the ARCHAEODIGIT project and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we continue exploring innovative ways to connect archaeology, digitalisation, sustainable management, and cultural heritage through expert conversations and practical insights.
