Global challenges and insights in disaster risk management at world cultural heritage sites

Cultural heritage has faced significant challenges due to both natural and human-induced hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change in recent years. To safeguard the outstanding universal value of World Cultural Heritage (WCH) sites, this study focuses on disaster risk management (DRM) across these WCH sites globally. A questionnaire was distributed to 972 WCH sites, with 57 responding. The survey gathered information on hazard-related characteristics, historical disasters, the current status of DRM plans and measures, and the traditional knowledge related to DRM. The study found that approximately 72 % of the surveyed heritage sites feature timber structures or masonry structures with wooden elements, making them vulnerable to fire. Additionally, 40 % of WCH sites are located in mountainous, coastal, or riverside areas, exposing them to multiple natural hazards. Many sites (79 %) have been repurposed for commercial use, and about 42 % of the surveyed sites attract a large number of tourists, which may further increase disaster risks. The study findings also highlight the diverse range of hazards affecting monuments and archaeological sites in Africa, Asia, and Europe, with Africa and Europe facing particularly significant challenges due to climate change. From past disasters, it is evident that floods, strong winds, fires, and earthquakes have become more frequent in recent years, causing substantial damage to heritage sites. In addition, human-induced disasters, such as armed conflicts and vandalism, have also caused serious destruction to WCH sites. However, only about half of the surveyed heritage sites have a DRM plan in place or are in the process of developing one. The study further reveals that the lack of financial and material resources, expertise, and awareness of the importance of a DRM plan are the key reasons for the absence of DRM plans. On the other hand, traditional knowledge identified at these WCH sites, including specialized drainage system designs, traditional fire-fighting methods, and climate-resilient architectural features, could be integrated as effective disaster risk reduction measures in future DRM plans. • About 72 % of WCH sites use wood or have wooden parts, making them highly vulnerable to fire hazards. • About 53 % of sites include multiple heritage types, and 40 % lie on diverse terrains prone to floods, landslides, or tsunamis. • The trend of cultural properties in many sites being converted for commercial use may increase disaster risks. • WCH designation can cause issues like illegal building, land encroachment, tourism impacts, and resident displacement. • About 91 % of heritage sites face multiple hazards, including floods, climate impacts, fires, and earthquakes. • Monuments and building groups in Asia, Europe, and Africa face various hazards, notably climate risks in Africa and Europe. • In reality, floods, strong winds, fires, and earthquakes caused the most significant damage to the surveyed WCH sites. • Monument and archaeological sites saw the most disasters, while landscapes and mixed sites had more disasters per site. • Climate change is a key factor behind disasters like floods, fires, droughts, and extreme wind events. • About 51 % of surveyed sites have a DRM plan or are currently developing one. • Key barriers to DRM plan creation include limited funds, staff, materials, and a shortage of WCH-specific DRM experts. • Thus, heritage sites mainly seek financial aid, technical support, and toolkits from bodies like ICOMOS and ICCROM.