Natural-cultural landscape heritage at Ritidian, Guam

Abstract

Purpose – Landscapes bear potential as heritage resources, unifying natural and cultural history that can be experienced today in special preserved areas. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Geoarchaeological investigation 2006-2011 explored this potential at the Ritidian Unit of Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Findings – As experienced today, the Ritidian landscape heritage embodies the complex outcomes of a 3,500-year record of ecology and evolution. Research limitations/implications – A long-term perspective of unified natural-cultural history will increase scientific accuracy and enhance visitor experience of landscapes of heritage resources. Practical implications – Sustainable development of landscape heritage can occur most successfully in cases of thorough research in areas of protected and managed ecosystems with reasonable public access. Originality/value – The detailed results in this case may serve as a model example for other studies and programmes developing landscapes as heritage resources.