Climate change is increasingly affecting communities at local level, creating environmental, social and economic pressures that require responses adapted to each territory. Ecomuseums and community museums are particularly well placed to contribute: their close relationship with local people, heritage and landscapes allows them to connect wider sustainability goals with everyday knowledge, practices and decision-making. However, many lack the structured training, practical resources and professional networks needed to develop this role effectively.
EcoAct addresses this gap by strengthening these organisations as spaces for environmental learning and locally led action. It will provide staff, volunteers and other stakeholders with knowledge and practical methods to understand climate-related challenges, incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their work and develop initiatives suited to their communities.
The project follows a participatory approach in which ecomuseums will contribute directly to the design and testing of its resources. Existing European practices will first be analysed to establish an evidence base. This will inform the development of practical tools, learning materials and an online Knowledge HUB, followed by a mentoring and peer-learning programme connecting experienced and emerging organisations. In this way, EcoAct combines heritage, adult education and local knowledge to support practical responses to environmental challenges while strengthening cooperation across the European ecomuseum community.