Oldenburg emergency network: protect cultural assets against disasters
Oldenburg emergency network: protect cultural assets against disasters
Status: 01.08.2024 11:13 a.m.
The threat of cultural assets caused by natural disasters raises important questions. How can museums, archives and libraries work more effectively together in crisis situations? In Oldenburg, a new emergency network meets a vulnerable legacy.
by Helgard Füchsel
protect the cultural heritage
In the State Museum for Nature and Man in Oldenburg, there are some of the most valuable treasures in the region. The director Ursula Warnke shows how special retention solutions help to preserve these collections from damage. Beetles that were once identified as "type material" in scientific research are not only important for biology, but also part of the cultural heritage that needs to be protected.
Creating critical conditions
In the face of disasters such as floods or fires, the value of these artifacts is at stake. The recently occurred water damage in the Central and State Library of Berlin underlines the urgency with which cultural institutions have to react to prevent damage. A quick action could rarely preserve valuable manuscripts that are in danger of water collapse. That is why the Oldenburg institutions have already taken steps for risk minimization.
formation of an emergency network
The decisive factor for a structured reaction to emergencies was the foundation of the Oldenburg emergency network a year ago. This merger of ten museums, archives and libraries makes it possible to quickly provide help in the event of a disaster. The effective planning includes the naming of contact persons, the determination of pieces that are particularly worthy of protection and coordinated emergency exercises. "Thanks to this cooperation, we can act faster and more targeted," emphasizes Kerstin Rahn, head of the State Archives.use of specialist knowledge
In an emergency, it is crucial to have specialists who are trained in the restoration and preservation of cultural assets. Knowledge that the emergency network provides is particularly required when it comes to the immediate treatment of wet manuscripts. "The skills of restorers is essential to save valuable artifacts after a damage," says Warnke.
The importance of cooperation
Networking among the facilities is not only helpful to prevent the loss of cultural assets. It also enables you to share knowledge and learn from each other. Emergency plans are updated regularly and it is discussed which materials are required to improve security. Among other things, emergency power units and waterways are to be purchased in order to be better prepared in an emergency.
a step in the right direction
The votes of Warnke and Rahn reflect the relief about the establishment of the emergency network. This initiative is not only progress in dealing with risks, but also a clear sign of responsibility for the cultural heritage. Even if there is still a lot of work in front of them, the network has already created a structure that can intervene in an emergency. "This is an important progress for us," summarizes Warnke.
The measures in Oldenburg could serve as a model for other regions that are faced with similar risks. The focus must be on the protection of cultural assets in order to preserve valuable pieces for future generations.
- Nag
Kommentare (0)