On 12 June 2026, the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria, HERIT ADAPT partner, organized a transnational citizen science campaign event at the Professional High School of Tourism in Samokov, bringing together 66 students to actively participate in the preservation and sustainable promotion of cultural heritage.
During the event, participants explored the Mausoleum-Ossuary in Koprivshtitsa through a detailed 3D model and an immersive 360-degree virtual tour, developed as part of the HERIT ADAPT pilot activities. These digital tools enabled students to examine the current condition of the monument and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with its conservation in the context of climate change.
The interactive session encouraged lively discussions, with students presenting creative ideas and practical recommendations for enhancing the monument’s resilience and improving the sustainable tourism potential of both the Mausoleum-Ossuary and the destination of Koprivshtitsa. Their proposals highlighted the importance of engaging young people in shaping innovative approaches to cultural heritage preservation and climate adaptation.
The event demonstrated the value of citizen science as a participatory approach that empowers communities, particularly younger generations, to contribute to the protection and sustainable management of cultural heritage.
