Evaluation of risks to UNESCO World Heritage (WH) sites in Taxila, Pakistan using ground-based and satellite remote sensing techniques

Abstract

In recent decades, UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) have experienced a significant increase of hazards due to multiple factors including earthquakes, climate change, management issues, urban sprawl and agriculture. However, damage assessments often failed to comprehensive picture and to determine the extension of the various types of threats affecting WHS. This situation is well reflected by WHS of Pakistan, where the potential threats have been only partially identified. As a result, we observe a growth of damage to the sites affecting their state of conservation.