Module Exercises (ModEx) are EU-funded international exercises with fictitious but realistic disaster scenarios in which teams from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) train their cooperation and technical implementation. As part of the EU-funded ProCultHer-NET2 project, the CHRU was invited to practise emergency response together with civil protection units from Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, the Czech Republic and the EU.

In a simulated storm scenario, the CHRU, consisting of civil protection experts from the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and cultural heritage protection experts from the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), protected cultural assets from further damage at various locations in the historic city centre close to Venice's lagoon. Their tasks included assessing affected buildings such as the city archives and a church, assessing and documenting damage, as well as evacuating cultural assets. The unit cooperated closely with the European Coordination Team (EUCPT) and the Italian Civil Protection Team. The CHRU used own specialised equipment, including a specially developed digital tool for damage assessment.

During the exercise, the CHRU was able to evacuate and secure numerous cultural assets, including paintings, books, sculptures and other relics. The affected institutions were closely involved at all times. Once the work had been completed, the team analysed the collected data (including assessment data, damage documentation and reports) and made recommendations for the further emergency care of the cultural assets. At the end of the ModEx, the CHRU was honoured for its work and voluntary commitment at a joint event, together with USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) and EMT (Emergency Medial Team) units from other countries.

This video gives insight into the EU ModEx in Venice.