This report is the fith of the five (5) reports included in the Deliverable-D4 of the Sub-Action C4.2 entitled “Development of pilot assessments and adaptation guidelines for cultural heritage”. Sub-Action C4.2 is part of the Action C4 of the “LIFE-IP AdaptInGR – Boosting the implementation of adaptation policy across Greece” Programme.
The present deliverable report examines the cultural heritage category represented by the Byzantine church of Porta Panagia. The case study was selected based on criteria including geographic location, monumental character, significance, and vulnerability. The church of Porta Panagia is one of Greece’s most significant Byzantine monuments, with its importance amplified by its proximity to major tourist destinations such as Meteora and Central Pindos, as well as by the outstanding natural beauty of its unspoiled surroundings. The church’s position on the banks of the Portaikos River, a tributary of the Pineios River, further enhances its interest as a subject of investigation regarding its vulnerability to climate change impacts. The primary aim of this report is to document the key risks expected to affect the Byzantine church of Porta Panagia, assess its vulnerability to these risks, and develop a comprehensive adaptation strategy with proposed measures and actions.

To achieve these objectives, the following procedure is implemented:

• Analysis of climate data and indicators provided by the National Observatory of Athens, highlighting the most significant climatic changes expected to negatively impact the Byzantine church of Porta Panagia.
• Identification of the church’s structural and material characteristics, alongside an assessment of its current state, to evaluate the key risks in conjunction with anticipated climatic changes.
• Assessment of the church’s overall vulnerability to climate change impacts, based on the methodology outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Third Assessment Report.
• Development of an integrated adaptation strategy, informed by the vulnerability assessment, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the church. This strategy includes measures to protect the monument’s materials, structural integrity, and unique architectural features; improve the safety and functionality of its infrastructure; strengthen the institutional framework; ensure timely risk management; raise awareness among the public and professionals; and continuously monitor climate impacts and evaluate the effectiveness of the adaptation plan.