In late October, our HEART “Heritage Empowered Action for Risk in Tuti” project reached a significant milestone with the conclusion of a private webinar dedicated to documenting the indigenous flood mitigation knowledge of Tuti island in Sudan. This collaborative initiative with the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Architecture and Studio Urban, generously supported by ICCROM and the Swedish Postcode Foundation, engaged over 40 participants from various stakeholder organizations and communities.

The webinar, organized around three main themes, commenced with a focus on “Climate Change and Heritage.” ICCROM representative Aparna Tandon highlighted the unique “Net Zero Heritage for Climate Action” project, which not only assesses the impact of climate change on heritage and communities but also documents traditional knowledge. This groundbreaking initiative spans five locations, including Tuti in Sudan, aiming to integrate decades-old knowledge into global disaster risk management frameworks. It was also followed by remarks from ICCROM representative Mohona Chakraburtty explaining how the net zero project was initiated through 4 phases lastly sharing all insights from the different locations which will be shared in February of next year.

The second theme centered on the HEART project, with Dr. Moahmeed Salah Mudawi expressing gratitude on behalf of the Tuti community for selecting their site. HEART Project Manager Esraa Algade detailed the unique attributes of Tutti Island, its historical flood mitigation practices, and the significance of the Taya system as an urban resilience symbol. She highlighted the project’s objectives, phases, and the post-conflict redesign prioritizing the preservation of traditional knowledge.

The session continued with insights from Inas Mokhtar, a consultant from SUDTT for the project, emphasizing the collaboration with local organizations in Tuti, including women and youth societies. The discussion covered vulnerability assessments, aid during flood phases, and the development of guidelines based on the Taya system. Notably, the Taya served not only as a flood observation point but also as a coordination hub during conflicts, showcasing the community’s resilience.

The final theme explored “Empowering Communities Resilience” in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Moahmeed Salah Mudawi and Dr. Nuha Eltinay. Guest speakers, including Dr. Miriam Murambadoro, Dr. Monika Kuffer, Mark Harvey, and Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, shared experiences ranging from indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation to data-driven approaches in understanding urban deprivation and the importance of locally led warning systems.

The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, allowing participants to engage in critical areas of the project. Program Director Maysoon Badi delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the community’s role in driving positive change. She also announced the project’s next phase in collaboration with DARAJA, titled “Developing Anticipatory and Risk Awareness through Joint Action,” scheduled for an early launch next year.