As part of the program for L’Aquila 2026, Italian Capital of Culture, the National Fire Department is organizing a conference in L’Aquila dedicated to the evolution of techniques and procedures for securing cultural heritage during emergencies, with particular reference to the experience gained in the aftermath of the 2009 earthquake and the role of the Coordination Unit for Temporary Works (N.C.P.), established in the aftermath of the L’Aquila earthquake.

The conference, aimed at engineers, architects, and technical professionals in the field, analyzes the Corps’ response capabilities in managing structural issues and outlines the new, optimized procedures for safeguarding the historical and artistic heritage. At the center of the discussion are the STOP data sheets—technical tools developed by the post-earthquake working group for the reinforcement of damaged buildings—which will be presented by some of the key figures involved in their development.

Speakers will include Stefano Grimaz, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Intersectoral Safety for Risk Reduction at the University of Udine, and provincial commanders Mauro Caciolai (Milan), Luca Ponticelli (Potenza), and Ciro Bolognese (Varese). A site visit to the National Museum of Abruzzo – MuNDA is planned to observe firsthand the results of the safety measures and post-earthquake reconstruction efforts.

The initiative reinforces L’Aquila’s role as a national center of expertise and best practices in the protection of cultural heritage during seismic emergencies.