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ProSPeReS project final outcomes and materials available online

2023 was the final year of ProSPeReS (Protection System for large gatherings of People in Religious Sites) project. The project aimed to provide a comprehensive protection system based on cooperation between scientists, security experts and practitioners, public services and religious institutions representing the Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church and the Jewish Community. ProSPeReS identified measures for increasing prevention and protection, and deterring and responding to various types of terrorist threats and incidents that may occur in religious places.

Within the project the Vulnerability Assessment Tool Lite was developed and improved based on feedback from religious communities to make it more user-friendly, and easier to implement in everyday places of worship.

Other important project achievements included the development of the security-by-design guidebook for religious sites, guidebook on security measures with several detailed appendixes (including a set of procedures to prevent, protect, detect, respond to and mitigate the effects of terrorist attacks; the protocols for communication and cooperation with public services and recommendations for equipment monitoring / detection / protection) and an introduction to CBRN threats accompanied by scenarios collection with reactions' models.

All these achievements were transformed into a series of reader-friendly raising awareness materials (brochures, leaflets, videos) available in several languages at https://prosperes.eu/security-awareness/ and https://prosperes.eu/resources/. They are addressed mostly to the managers and staff of religious sites, as well as worshippers and visitors, but may also be useful for the general public and crisis management practitioners.

The project also included development of a dedicated modular training programme, carefully designed to enhance the understanding of the potential hazards faced by religious sites and to empower the learners with effective mitigation strategies and responsive actions that uphold the sanctity and security of the places of worship.

ProSPeReS training platform, available at https://prosperes.eu/course/, offers comprehensive information packages and materials for face-to-face training (for trainers and trainees), E-learning course dedicated to individual users for self-education and VR training, using new technology for immersive, hands-on learning about religious site protection. Learners explore and respond to threats in virtual environments, enhancing understanding and practical skills.  The training programme was tested and improved on the basis of pilot trainings conducted in Poland and in Greece. Most materials for trainers and trainees are available in English, Polish, Greek and Italian language versions.