Post-Conflict Safeguarding of Built Heritage: Content Analysis of the ICOMOS Heritage at Risk Journal, 2000–2019

Abstract

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) publishes several academic and professional publications, including Heritage at Risk World Reports. These reports examine heritage properties at risk globally, showing the trends and sharing recommendations. The role of local communities (LCs) and local resources (LRs) in safeguarding built heritage in periods following conflict has been highlighted by academics and international organisations. However, there are few research studies examining the indicators of the roles of LCs and LRs, which can depict the priorities in such circumstances. A systematic review (analysis) of this ICOMOS publication in a post-conflict context has yet to be undertaken. This method is utilised to identify key indicators of both elements in the context of post-conflict safeguarding of built heritage. The systematic review using content analysis and keyword frequency classified 69 post-conflict cases (countries) and identified significant LC and LR indicators. The findings reveal that the community’s awareness of built heritage and the availability of local experts are the most significant indicators for the LC and LRs, respectively. Both the LC and LR roles have a strong correlation in periods following conflicts. In addition, within the ICOMOS reports, results show a growing emphasis on post-conflict situations since the first volume. This study contributes to providing a shared vision regarding the roles that LCs and LRs can play in safeguarding built heritage following conflicts. Through analysing related policy documents, future research could investigate a policy-led perspective for safeguarding built heritage following conflicts.