International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Cultural heritage objects represent an essential component of human identity, history, and collective memory. However, monuments, artworks, manuscripts, archaeological artefacts, and historical buildings are continuously exposed to environmental deterioration processes, including humidity fluctuations, pollution, biological colonization, salt crystallization, and mechanical degradation. Conventional conservation methods often provide effective protection but may involve invasive procedures, limited durability, or the use of environmentally harmful chemicals. In recent decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for sustainable conservation due to the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, including high surface area, enhanced reactivity, photocatalytic activity, and the possibility of designing multifunctional protective coatings. This review discusses innovative nanomaterials used in cultural heritage conservation, including silica nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, calcium hydroxide nanoparticles, graphene-based materials, and nanocomposites. Their applications in consolidation, cleaning, protection against pollutants, antimicrobial treatments, and sustainable preservation strategies are examined.
The report is under project No. KП-06-H90/6 dated 10.12.2024 on the topic: “Ecologically sustainable conservation strategy for written heritage” from the Scientific Research Fund, Competition for funding of fundamental scientific research – 2024. Supervised by Chief Associate Professor, PhD, MSc Eng. Iskra Tsvetanska.

This study was conducted within the framework of the project “A Model for Assessing the Effectiveness and Quality of Inclusive Education, Training, and Lifelong Learning” (Grant No. KP-06-N80/1, 7 December 2023). It presents an analysis of the results of a survey conducted among representatives of key stakeholders in the education system. The primary objective of the study is to identify participants’ attitudes and perceptions regarding the key factors that determine the quality and effectiveness of inclusive education, as well as to identify the most significant criteria and indicators to be incorporated into the assessment model currently under development. The findings provide an empirical basis for refining the model and contribute to the development of an effective system for monitoring and evaluating inclusive educational practices in Bulgaria.

Written heritage constitutes a key component of national identity, historical continuity, and cultural memory, while also performing a strategic function for national security. It encompasses archives, manuscripts, legislative acts, treaties, and digital databases that attest to state legitimacy, institutional continuity, and collective identity. The loss or manipulation of these documents can lead to disinformation, erosion of cultural memory, and compromise of the legal and political legitimacy of the state.
The report considers written heritage as a multifaceted resource with historical, cultural, legal, and innovative value, which strengthens national identity and supports research and educational initiatives. Its protection requires an integrated approach, including physical safeguarding, digital security, legal regulation, institutional coordination, and educational programs.
Vulnerabilities such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, and selective access necessitate the implementation of modern technologies, international standards, and active public engagement. Written heritage should be regarded as a strategic national asset, requiring systematic protection and management to ensure the state’s resilience, sovereignty, and global competitiveness.
The report is under project No. KП-06-H90/6 dated 10.12.2024 on the topic: “Ecologically sustainable conservation strategy for written heritage” from the Scientific Research Fund, Competition for funding of fundamental scientific research – 2024. Supervised by Chief Asst. PhD Eng. Iskra Tsvetanska.

In the context of global environmental changes and the need for sustainable cultural policies, the preservation of written heritage is taking on a new dimension – combining effective conservation with a commitment to the environment. This report examines the principles of environmental sustainability in contemporary practices for the conservation and restoration of written collections, focusing on the application of so-called “green” methodologies – biodegradable materials, enzymatic solutions, anoxic disinfection, as well as energyefficient technologies in repositories. Special attention is paid to the concept of “green heritage”, understood not only as conservation with a minimal carbon footprint, but also as a strategic model for the long-term management of cultural resources. Examples from international practice that integrate sustainable solutions are analyzed. The report also highlights the challenges associated with the shortage of environmentally friendly materials, the need for a transdisciplinary approach and the need for educational policies aimed at building cultural and environmental sensitivity among specialists and the general public. In conclusion, the thesis is advocated that ecological sustainability is not an additional aspect, but an indispensable part of a new ethic in the preservation of written heritage – an ethic of respect for the past and responsibility for the future with care for the planet.
The report is under project No. KП-06-H90/6 dated 10.12.2024 on the topic: “Ecologically sustainable conservation strategy for written heritage” from the Scientific Research Fund, Competition for funding of fundamental scientific research – 2024. Supervised by Chief Asst. PhD Eng. Iskra Tsvetanska.

The paper aims to present of the problem of the endangerment of the Bulgarian written heritage. The task set for the Bulgarian culture by the present time is urgent, because the preservation of the written cultural legacy is a serious problem which cannot be postponed. We are obliged to look for ways to preserve and make available to the Bulgarian nation and to the international cultural society our rich cultural relics on paper, parchment etc.

The paper aims to present the results of field research conducted in different regions and municipalities in Bulgaria and related to the formation of local policies supporting the preservation and promotion of Orthodox Christian monuments. The main emphasis in the exposition is placed on examples of good practices for socialization of the Christian heritage with the active participation of the loca l population, as well as good practices from cross-border projects. The methods and approaches for integration of the results achieved by the field research in the education in cultural heritage and tourism have been presented. The relevance of the topic is determined by the insufficient knowledge of the local traditions and good practices for preservation, construction and promotion of the Christian monuments in Bulgaria, as part of the national cultural heritage. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative method was used in this research. We have also used combined methods for analysis and synthesis. The paper is part of the activities of the research project “Creating a model for Saveguarding, Socialization and Promotion of Christian Monuments in Bulgaria”- ДН 15/4 of 11.12.2017, with the financial support of the Bulgarian Science Fund with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria.

This paper briefly reviews the deterioration of written heritage from a chemical point of view and then discusses conservatio n and restoration. Restoration is seen as an art surgery, and conservation as an art by which we postpone the inevitable aging and preservation of the written heritage. The ecological approaches in this area are considered.