The partners in the NICHE 2 project have completed NICHE 2 Course Materials and Practical Tools, which marks an important milestone in the project's progress. This section is Work Package 3 and was carried out between August 2025 and May 2026, and is divided into three main components: preparation, the development of the NICHE 2 curriculum and practical tools, and the translation of learning and teaching materials into the languages of the six partners.
The main objective of Work Package 3 was to confirm, in collaboration with representatives of the project's target groups, the proposed framework for learning outcomes and capacity building of NICHE 2 and to strengthen the capacity of those working with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to address the dual transformation of green and digital societal changes. The aim was also to support ICH practitioners in developing more sustainable practices, implementing green business models, and acquiring new knowledge and skills that support sustainable development.
As part of Work Package 3, seven training modules have been developed and are now available online. They are aimed at professionals and institutions working in the field of intangible cultural heritage and aim to enhance knowledge and skills in sustainability and green solutions. Each course consists of three learning units and covers the following topics:
• Introduction to green and sustainable practices in intangible cultural heritage
• Environmental impact assessment for intangible cultural heritage
• Sustainable models for intangible cultural heritage
• Sustainable materials and practices – cultivating sustainable intangible cultural heritage
• Social participation in intangible cultural heritage
• Resilience to climate change and intangible cultural heritage
• Monitoring and recording sustainability performance
In June 2026, Work Package 4 (WP4) also commenced – NICHE 2 Trial. The new curriculum and the practical tools, which were developed and translated in Work Package 3, will be tested and evaluated with the participation of 160 representatives of the project's target groups, including those who work with intangible cultural heritage, vocational education specialists and other trainers. The aim of the pilot tests is to assess the quality and usability of the learning and teaching materials developed in Work Package 3.
On 16 June 2026, the partners of NICHE 2 held their third international project meeting online. The meeting reviewed project management, governance, budget and reporting, monitoring, quality and evaluation, the development of the Open Educational Resource Platform, project dissemination and the next steps for its implementation.
NICHE 2 is a partnership project under Erasmus+ in the field of vocational education and training, which is funded by the European Commission. The North-East Iceland Knowledge Network leads the project, which brings together seven partners from six countries – Croatia, France, Iceland, Italy, Belgium and Spain – and aims to provide those working with intangible cultural heritage with the knowledge, the knowledge, tools and customised training they need to lead the green and digital transition in line with sustainable development goals, and to promote innovation and sustainability within the cultural heritage sector.
Further information about the project can be found on its website., www.nicheproject.eu, or by contacting nicheproject2@gmail.com and hac@hac.is.
