Management Models of Sustainable Conservation for the Socio-economic Development of Local Communities : a case study of the fortifications of Famagusta, Cyprus and other fortified cities in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

This abstract is a summary of the thesis intended to give a brief overview and description of the document and its organization. It follows a logical progression in four parts, each building upon the other: Thesis, Case Studies, Famagusta, and Results and Conclusions, and is followed by the bibliography and list of figures. PART I – begins with a chapter on the thesis itself stating with the research problem statement of managing and financing the sustained conservation of large fortifications for the social and economic development of the communities within. From a problem statement, the thesis is derived. This is followed by the justification rationale in investigating the thesis: the difficulties in creating a management model, the socio-political and cultural divisions of Cyprus, and the values, significance, and authenticity of the fortifications of Famagusta. There is also an explanation for the rationale for selecting Famagusta. Also included is the contribution to the field and relevancy of the topic in addressing a critical gap, that of management and financing conservation. This is then followed by the overall goal and objectives of the research and the hypothesis: Through improved management, the conservation of historic fortifications around cities is sustainable and can be used for survival and socio-economic development of the community within. The second chapter comprises the literature review divided into three main themes: sustainability, development, and management, followed by the fourth theme of fortifications. These themes were derived from the readings taking into account the thesis, goals, and objectives. The literature review states the connections between these themes and identifies the key seminal documents while intending to make connections and identify gaps in order to state the position and direction of the thesis. The review of the relevant literature concerning fortifications and each specific case study is within the appropriate chapters. The last chapter in Part I describes the methodology followed during this study taking into account the literature review and on-site experiences. It contains the process of the refinement of the original problem statement taking into account the literature review and research. It then states the theoretical framework and how it was selected and evaluated for appropriateness and applicability are given the type of research problem and field of study. The research paradigm or worldview is also stated in this chapter, as this is important as a lens for data interpretation. Finally, there is a description of the data collection, verification, analysis, and conclusion. PART II – Begins with a chapter on the history and importance of the eastern Mediterranean framing the context, geography, connections, and relationships of the region. It establishes the significance of the region during a critical time in history during the rapid evolution of fortification design in response to new forms of warfare technology. Importantly it sets the background for the case studies and describes the rigorous rational in their selection. The next chapters are on the case studies of fortified cities: Istanbul (Constantinople), Acre (Akko), Rhodes, Dubrovnik (Ragusa), and Valletta (Malta). Each case studies is organized consistently beginning with the history, which is necessary to establish connections between case studies, followed by a description of the fortifications and their significance. This is then succeeded by a section on management and the organization of the responsible institutions and how the fortifications are being used for the socio-economic benefits of the communities within. These subchapters are then followed by characterization and analysis of each management approach to understand the advantages and disadvantages. Management organizational diagrams are included and analyzed for each case study to understand the agencies responsible, how they interact, the overlaps, and potential gaps. The final chapter in Part II is a summary of the management models, comparing and contrasting the governance structure and institutional setting of each case study. Importantly, this includes a qualitative and quantitative evaluation using comparative factors in three categories, sustainable conservation, social-economic development, and management. This chapter quantifies the number of conservation projects, the existence of management plans, and presence of a conservation office. Importantly, it lists the growing number of tourists over the past decades and tourism-related businesses including hotels, hotel beds, and the larger regional economy. It also lists the declining population (and population density) within the walled cities, daily and overall ratio of residents to tourists and ventures an idea concerning carrying capacity. The current number of social services such as schools, community centers, and libraries are recorded as well as a number of other essential elements for communities including markets and transportation. This data is described in text and summary tables. PART III – is the principal case study of Famagusta. This part is organized in the same way as each of the case studies in Part II in order to make navigation easier for the reader: history and context, description of the fortifications and the values, significance, authenticity, and integrity with a brief explanation of the conservation problems. This part includes a detailed history of the island up to the current political division of the island of Cyprus and how this impacts Famagusta and conservation of its fortifications. The management organization is described in two parts given the division of the island since 1974, including the governance structures, institutional contexts and conservation efforts of both parts of the island. There is an analysis of the barriers to implementing sustainable management of conservation in Famagusta with opportunities and shortcomings. This is succeeded by the recent and current linking attempts by the United Nations Development Programme, the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage (a bi-communal committee), and the European Union along with other civil society organizations. Within this section is described the loss of social functions within the walled city and lack of economic utilization for the cultural heritage of the city. PART IV – This final section contains the conclusions, implications, and contributions of the thesis with the objectives of the research are reaffirmed and how this was accomplished. The management models of the five case studies and their good practice are summarized, including the necessary external and internal circumstances for the identified good practice to foster. These circumstances are analyzed and comprise of a conducive, open planning environment, knowledge and education concerning management, positive perceptions, local autonomy, particularly control of finance and public interest. Partial proof of the hypothesis is offered through the success of four of the five case studies in sustaining conservation and economic development by way of management. However, the second half of the hypothesis concerning social development is disproven as the same case studies have failed to sustain the communities within their walls. The populations within the case studies have rapidly declined along with social services and housing. Social development has been subjugated to economic development based upon tourism. The significance of these findings and their implications are discussed in the next section, including a discussion of the direct conflict between economic development and social development. The most significant implication is that the seemingly successful case studies cannot offer good practice examples concerning social development. This section is concluded by derived good social development practice from the case studies in their attempts to address this shortcoming and the literature review to offer good practice for Famagusta. The contributions of the thesis are outlined in three areas: a) Demonstration through the case studies that as a consequence of good management sustainable conservation of extensive fortifications is possible and results in economic development, b) Recognition of the shortcomings of the very same case studies pertaining to the sustainability of the communities within the walls and deriving good social development practice, and c) Identification of good management practice for pragmatic implementation in Famagusta including critical social development aspects. Part IV is concluded by avenues for future research and a thesis appraisal which includes an evaluation and limitations of the research followed by final comments. Following these four parts is the list of figures and tables, and bibliography.