The Atapuerca Foundation has hosted the first transnational meeting of the European project 'From Past to Future', an innovative program that seeks to promote youth inclusion, participation and employability in the field of archaeological heritage. This meeting is the first of three planned within the project, which will continue in the other participating countries.
This initiative, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, has the collaboration of recognized European entities: Generazione Zero (Italy), Fundação Vall de Côa (Portugal), Redtree Making Projects (Spain), Centre Européen de Recherches Préhistoriques de Tautavel (France) and the Europe 2020 Association (Spain). The Atapuerca Foundation assumes the role of general coordinator and is responsible for its management.
In this first meeting, the partners had the opportunity to get to know each other and the main objectives and lines of work. The day began at the headquarters of the Atapuerca Foundation, where the participants laid the foundations of the project. This meeting marks a milestone in the integration and approach of archaeological sites and museums to youth, with special attention to those young people who face barriers.
The international collaboration will connect cultural heritage with new generations in an innovative and meaningful way. As part of the agenda, the attendees visited the Atapuerca sites and, in the afternoon, they visited the Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos.
The ultimate goal of 'From Past to Future' is to create a European network capable of developing an innovative strategy for young people, in collaboration with archaeological sites and third sector organizations, in order to co-design local projects of inclusion, art and culture. To this end, the Young Friends of the Site Group will be created, whose members will actively participate in the design of events and the digital promotion of the site as ambassadors, while the institution promotes their inclusion through non-formal education, the improvement of their employability, the strengthening of their confidence and the opportunity to live a unique experience alongside prestigious experts.
The project, which takes place over 24 months, began in September 2024 and will end in August 2026. During this period, innovative tools such as virtualization of visits, digital strategies in social networks and key activities will be employed, including heritage practices, green and inclusive initiatives, intergenerational dialogues, scientific and cultural outreach campaigns, promotional events and the strengthening of social networks to connect with young audiences.
The project is coordinated by the Atapuerca Foundation, which brings more than 25 years of experience in managing projects and programs linked to the archeopaleontological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
'From Past to Future' is part of the Atapuerca Foundation's project area, created in 2023 to promote initiatives aligned with its motto "Responsible Evolution, Conscious Progress". With this proposal, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive and connected society, in which youth play a leading role in the preservation and enhancement of Europe's cultural heritage.