Guardians of the Landscape Symposium

The land remembers. Every hill, stone, and stream carries traces of stories older than history itself.
The Guardians of the Landscape Symposium brings together conservationists, historians, ecologists, architects, and community leaders to explore how natural and cultural heritage intertwine — and how we can protect them in an era of rapid environmental change.

Over three days, participants will engage in discussions, fieldwork, and case studies focused on the stewardship of cultural landscapes — places where human memory and natural beauty coexist.
The symposium aims to bridge traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation strategies, ensuring that our landscapes continue to tell their stories for generations to come.

Day 1 - Opening Ceremony & Keynotes

• Welcome Address — Dr. Helena Kovács, Ancestra Trust
• Keynote 1: “Memory in the Age of Algorithms” — Prof. Darius Mihailov, University of Sofia
• Panel Discussion: The Future of Archives: Physical vs. Digital Authenticity
• Evening Networking Reception & Heritage Film Screening

Day 2 - Workshops & Interactive Sessions

• Digital Restoration: Techniques for 3D Documentation
• Community Heritage Labs: Involving the Next Generation
• Restoration Ethics: Beyond the Surface of Preservation
• Roundtable: The Role of AI in Cultural Conservation
• Curated Tour: Vienna’s Historic Conservation Sites

Day 3 - Presentations & Closing Events

• Innovations Showcase: Projects from European Conservation Institutes
• Collaborative Dialogue: Funding and Policy Strategies for Cultural Projects
• Closing Remarks: “Reimagining the Future of Heritage” — Ancestra Trust Board
• Farewell Gala: A Night at the Library — Classical performance and networking dinner