Vulnerability, Risk Assessment Tools and Training Exercises for the Active Protection of Religious Buildings

ongoing

The VIRTUOUS project aims to revolutionize strategies for protecting places of worship in Europe by adopting a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional methods. Recognizing the persistent threats to religious spaces despite commendable initiatives by the EU, VIRTUOUS seeks to bridge existing gaps and enhance preparedness against terrorist attacks. The project emphasizes cooperation among stakeholders, including religious communities, public authorities, LEAs and security providers. VIRTUOUS focuses on increasing understanding of terrorist threats, identifying vulnerabilities through innovative technologies such as Building Information Modeling (ΒΙΜ), and improving awareness and preparedness through recommendations and training exercises. Aligned with EU objectives for safeguarding public spaces, VIRTUOUS extends its scope to include educational institutions and community gathering spaces associated with religious faiths. By promoting cooperation between different religions, the project aims to fortify the resilience of diverse religious communities. Short-term effects of VIRTUOUS include increased understanding of security issues, vulnerability assessment using Building Information Modeling (BIM), and enhanced awareness and preparedness among religious communities. Long-term impacts include strengthened security measures, fostered cooperation and dialogue, and a culture of vigilance and interfaith cooperation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a groundbreaking tool for risk assessment, offering precise insights into architectural details and facilitating the development of attack scenarios. Through a structured procedure, Building Information Modeling (BIM) creates digital twins of physical structures, enabling the tailoring of security recommendations and implementation of training sessions. The VIRTUOUS project aims to generate immediate and lasting impacts by strengthening security measures, fostering cooperation, and promoting a culture oVulnerability and Risk Assessment Tools for the Active Protection of Religious Buildings.