The NICHE 2 project has successfully completed Work Package 3 – NICHE 2 Curricula and Operational Tools, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the project. WP3 was carried out from August 2025 to May 2026 and consisted of three main activities: preparation, development of the NICHE 2 curricula and operational tools, and translation of the training material into the six partners’ languages.

The main objectives of WP3 were to co-validate, with the contributions of target group representatives, the proposed learning outcomes framework and competence-building model of NICHE 2, and to enhance the capacities of ICH operators to navigate the twin transition. WP3 also aimed to support ICH operators in developing new green business practices and acquiring innovative competences and skills for sustainable development.

As part of WP3, seven modules have been developed and are now available online to support professionals and organisations working in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in strengthening their green and sustainable competences. Each module consists of three training units. The modules cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Green and Sustainable Practices in ICH
• Environmental Impact Assessment for ICH
• Sustainable ICH Models
• Eco-friendly Materials and Practices: Nurturing Sustainable ICH
• Community Engagement in ICH
• Climate Change Resilience in Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Monitoring and Reporting Sustainability Performance.

In June 2026, the project also launched Work Package 4 – NICHE 2 Pilot and Validation activities. This work package focuses on pilot testing and validating of the newly developed and translated curriculum and operational tools with 160 target group representatives, including ICH operators, VET professionals and other facilitators. The pilot phase aims to evaluate and validate the training materials co-developed within WP3.

On 16 June 2026, the NICHE 2 project partners held their third Transnational Project Meeting online. During the meeting, partners discussed project management, administrative aspects, budget and reporting, monitoring, quality assurance and evaluation, the NICHE 2 Open Educational Resource Platform, dissemination activities, as well as the next steps for the successful implementation of the project.

The NICHE 2 project is an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in Vocational Education and Training, co-financed by the European Commission. Bringing together seven partners from six countries (Croatia, France, Iceland, Italy, Belgium and Spain), the project equips ICH practitioners with the knowledge, tools and tailored training resources they need to lead the green and digital transition in line with sustainable development goals, while fostering innovation and sustainability across the cultural heritage ecosystem.

For more information, visit the NICHE 2 project’s official website at: https://www.nicheproject.eu/ or contact our team via email at nicheproject2@gmail.com.