Unlocking the past: key lessons in human-environment dynamics through cultural heritage analysis

Purpose This paper aims to understand human-environment interactions in urban development over time by using historical data, cultural heritage and local knowledge to reduce risk exposure of local communities, prepare for disasters and enhance recovery and resilience efforts. Design/methodology/approach The study uses qualitative methods, drawing on anthropology and historical archaeology to analysed historical archives, ethnographic data and grey literature from Italy, Indonesia and the USA. Thematic analysis identified patterns in knowledge production and risk response to disasters like earthquakes, floods and pandemics and systematised traditional knowledge, including oral lore, land use and construction technologies, focusing on tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Findings Local and indigenous knowledge are crucial for urban resilience. Anthropological and historical-archaeological research reveals past communities’ valuable insights into disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. Integrating diverse knowledge and power dynamics fosters collaboration, enhancing resilience to environmental, socio-economic and political uncertainties throughout disaster cycles. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted within the EU research Project CORE; therefore, collected data were limited to the use case disaster scenarios addressed by the project, namely, terrorist attack, earthquake, flash flooding, wildfire, earthquake & tsunami and pandemic. Practical implications Research shows how communities have always found practical, local solutions to disaster-related issues, blending tangible and intangible cultural knowledge. Its insights can inform disaster preparedness, heritage-based risk mapping and community-led resilience efforts. This cultural approach complements scientific understanding, helping develop effective urban resilience strategies for today’s disaster prevention and mitigation. Social implications Indigenous knowledge, vital for urban resilience, stresses ecosystem harmony, community-environment understanding and local territorial knowledge. Integrating this into risk management and emergency planning unlocks hidden resources, fostering holistic, sustainable social and environmental approaches. Originality/value Addressing a crucial gap in disaster risk reduction by highlighting the role of cultural heritage and historical knowledge in building long-term urban resilience. It examines diverse historical data, from the 14th century to 2020, across continents like Italy, Indonesia and the USA. The study also investigates ancient construction techniques, including those from the Roman Empire, in relation to major global disasters.