Preservation Of Heritage Sites Research Articles

A Comprehensive Seismic Monitoring of the Pillar Threatening the World Cultural Heritage Site Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc Cave, Toward Rock Damage Assessment

AbstractFragile geological features must undergo frequent structural health assessments to prevent catastrophic failure events. The mechanical behavior of natural sites is largely guided by vibrations of the earth and environmental exposure, but damage is rarely assessed, except empirically. The Chauvet‐Pont d’Arc cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a shining example of fragility that would benefit from monitoring. It is overhung by a rock column known as Abraham's pillar that extends out from the cliff like a natural tuning fork. For this study, we monitored dancing movements of this pillar for over 2 years to analyze its elastic response to weather conditions. Using ambient‐seismic‐noise‐based methods, we identified the pillar's first two natural resonance modes. Through extensive monitoring of the site, we observed the striking temporal evolution of these two resonance frequencies on hourly, daily, seasonal, and pluriannual scales in response to changes in air temperature and insolation. Based on thermo‐acousto‐elastic modeling with a simplified 3D geometric structure, we determined how thermally‐induced stress stiffening affects the rock material, by applying convective and radiative heat fluxes to the model. From the results obtained, we suggest a novel quantitative method based on daily observations that can estimate the level of damage within the rock material. Our work provides a foundation for distinguishing between reversible processes and damage for hazard studies in the frame of climate change. Such knowledge is crucial not only for the preservation of heritage sites but also for enhancing risk assessment protocols and informing conservation efforts worldwide.

A Real-Time Prediction Approach to Deep Soil Moisture Combining GNSS-R Data and a Water Movement Model in Unsaturated Soil

Deep soil moisture data have wide applications in fields such as engineering construction and agricultural production. Therefore, achieving the real-time monitoring of deep soil moisture is of significant importance. Current soil monitoring methods face challenges in conducting the large-scale, real-time monitoring of deep soil moisture. This paper innovatively proposes a real-time prediction approach to deep soil moisture combining GNSS-R data and a water movement model in unsaturated soil. This approach, built upon surface soil moisture data retrieved from GNSS-R signal inversion, integrates soil–water characteristics and soil moisture values at a depth of 1 m. By employing a deep soil moisture content prediction model, it provides predictions of soil moisture at depths from 0 to 1 m, thus realizing the large-scale, real-time dynamic monitoring of deep soil moisture. The proposed approach was validated in a study area in Goodwell, Texas County, Oklahoma, USA. Predicted values of soil moisture at a randomly selected location in the study area at depths of 0.1 m, 0.2 m, 0.5 m, and 1 m were compared with ground truth values for the period from 25 October to 19 November 2023. The results indicated that the relative error (δ) was controlled within the range of ±14%. The mean square error (MSE) ranged from 2.90 × 10−5 to 1.88 × 10−4, and the coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 82.45% to 89.88%, indicating an overall high level of fitting between the predicted values and ground truth data. This validates the feasibility of the proposed approach, which has the potential to play a crucial role in agricultural production, geological disaster management, engineering construction, and heritage site preservation.

HBIM AND EXTENDED REALITY FOR CULTURAL MEDIATION OF HISTORICAL HERITAGE: A REVIEW

Abstract. In the realm of Cultural Heritage, emergent technologies such as HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) and Extended Reality (XR) are becoming instrumental in creating immersive Virtual Heritage experiences. A review of relevant literature indicates that these technologies have been utilized to build 3D HBIM models and highlight them on immersive platforms for purposes of cultural dissemination and promotion. Technological progress now accommodates the assimilation of historical data via HBIM methodology, which opens avenues for novel communication forms and the distribution of information through extended reality techniques. This, in turn, ensures cultural mediation and heritage site promotion. This study aims to present a comprehensive survey of research surrounding the application of HBIM in heritage site preservation and management. Moreover, this paper intends to provide an overview of the concepts and the role of XR within HBIM, in supporting the cultural mediation and promotion of historical heritage. This research further delineates a pathway for future endeavours concerning the integration of XR technologies within the policies of architectural and built heritage conservation and assessment.

Challenges of Heritage Management in China: A Case Study of Overplanning in Dimen Village

China has 12 different heritage protection systems, which may result in multiple systems regulating and planning for a single heritage site. This study focuses on Dimen village, which is protected under three different systems, and examines five plans collected during fieldwork in 2019 and 2022 to analyze the varying contents of these protection systems. The findings revealed that distinct value assessment criteria for heritage sites exist across different protection systems, leading to differences in how protection areas are demarcated, key focuses established, and methods of utilization implemented. Furthermore, the study highlights the lack of necessary continuity between previous and subsequent plans within frequent planning cycles, which often results in limited implementation. In addition, this study emphasizes the low level of participation by local residents in the planning process and argues for the improvement of this aspect to ensure the effective implementation and preservation of heritage sites.

Artificial Intelligence for Digital Heritage Innovation: Setting up a R&D Agenda for Europe

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game changer in many fields, including cultural heritage. It supports the planning and preservation of heritage sites and cities, enables the creation of virtual experiences to enrich cultural tourism and engagement, supports research, and increases access and understanding of heritage objects. Despite some impressive examples, the full potential of AI for economic, social, and cultural change is not yet fully visible. Against this background, this article aims to (a) highlight the scope of AI in the field of cultural heritage and innovation, (b) highlight the state of the art of AI technologies for cultural heritage, (c) highlight challenges and opportunities, and (d) outline an agenda for AI, cultural heritage, and innovation.

Fostering Market Penetration Strategies for Sustainable Conservation of Heritage Sites in Nyeri County, Kenya

Sustainable conservation has become popular in tourism, accepted by developers and stakeholders as an economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly model for heritage tourism development models. However, heritage tourism encounters challenges like cultural commercialization, deterioration, development pressure, marketing gaps, and insufficient maintenance. Consequently, Kenya has prioritized long-term heritage tourism development goals to realize Vision 2030. This paper examines how market penetration strategies can leverage the sustainable conservation of heritage sites in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, targeting the local community members, tourists visiting the heritage sites, key informants from the local government of Nyeri, officials from the National Museums of Kenya, and site supervisors. The sample size was 762 respondents, 11 were interviewed, and 752 were administered questionnaires. The results of correlation analysis revealed that market penetration strategies exhibited a positive and statistically significant relationship with sustainable conservation (r=0.620, P=0.000), explaining 38.4% of heritage sites' sustainable conservation variations. The study concludes that market penetration catalyzes the sustainable preservation of heritage sites. The study recommends integrating heritage sites into the County's economic plans and employing a comprehensive approach that engages the local community at all stages. This approach should encompass these sites' social, cultural, and economic importance for the local population. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for a collaborative effort involving multiple government levels and diverse agencies to develop, expand, and market heritage products, with due consideration for biodiversity conservation. Keywords: Biodiversity, Heritage Sites, Market Penetration Strategies, Nyeri County, Sustainable Conservation, Tourism.

Analysis of Trend and Pattern of Tourists’ Arrival: A Case Study of Desert Tourist Circuit, Rajasthan

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world economy particularly in developing countries. It is an important tool for the development of destinations’ economies and provides various socio-cultural and economic benefits such as employment generation, foreign capital exchange, infrastructure development, investment of capital, preservation of heritage sites, etc. Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the world’s map due to its diverse socio-cultural landscape. The desert tourist circuit has immense potential for attracting a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists. The main aim of this study is to examine the trend and pattern of tourist arrival in the desert tourist circuit. This study is based on the secondary data collected from the Rajasthan tourism development Corporation (RTDC), Jaipur. The annual growth rate and regression analysis have been calculated to achieve the study's objective.

HOUSEHOLD BUILDING (LATE 17TH–19TH CENTURY, RYAZAN KREMLIN) RESTORATION AND ADAPTATION TO MODERN USE

Introduction: The issue of preserving historical and cultural heritage is currently highly relevant. The restoration of ancient architectural structures, preservation of their historical appearance, and adaptation to new functions constitute an important step forward towards that goal. Considering the situation with cultural heritage sites in Ryazan, we should note that the city really needs such measures. Many historical, cultural, and architectural monuments have been lost and continue to be destroyed because of incompetent interference with their architectural-and-planning structure (demolition, unauthorized reconstruction, etc.). Purpose of the study: We aimed to describe the specifics of the preservation, restoration, and adaptation of cultural and historical heritage sites to modern needs. Methods: In the course of the study, we used a systemic approach, analyzed various sources and materials on the restoration and protection of historical and architectural monuments. Results: In the paper, we consider a particular example from the architectural practice of adapting a part of an ancient structure to modern use. The paper gives a brief historical background and information on the structures and materials used, discusses methods and technological solutions, analyzes design solutions. Based on the results of the works conducted, we determine issues of adapting a recognized cultural heritage site to modern living conditions and using it in a new capacity in accordance with the applicable regulatory documents. When facing the issue of adapting historical buildings that have lost their original function, it is necessary to perform works without changing their protected features. Within the framework of cultural heritage site preservation, a concept has been developed to serve as the basis for its conversion and operation as a cafe.

Monitoring as a tool to evaluate preservation possibilities. Results from the CULTCOAST project

The CULTCOAST research project has installed environmental monitoring equipment at two cultural heritage sites in northern Norway: one at the coal mine site of Hiorthhamn on Svalbard, one at the settlement mound site Sjåberget on Andøya in Nordland County. Both these coastal heritage sites are situated north of the Arctic circle, in the areas most impacted by climate change. Whereas the global temperature increase since 1970 is just above 1°C, in Svalbard the increase is now 4°C. This is the first example of using this specific type of sensors to monitor the ongoing changes and their possible impacts on preservation of heritage sites.

A Case Study on Supporting the Preservation, Valorization and Sustainability of Natural Heritage

Caves can be considered as features of the landscape that have been formatted through a long period and are signs of the past climatological conditions, of prehistoric animal and human inhabitation, and provide habitat for species. In the near past, caves have also gained tourism interest since they offer unique sightseeing experiences. The sustainability and protection of cave heritage have been recently discussed mainly because over-tourism has been proven to have negative side effects on the preservation of the heritage site. Technology today has provided widely adopted inexpensive technical means to support immersive visiting experiences to sites of heritage interest that could support their valorization and sustainability in forms more friendly to the site. In this work, such an alternative visiting approach is explored through a use case applied to the Alistrati cave near Serres, Greece, where a VR tour guide can support immersive visiting experiences to the heritage site. By employing means of digital preservation of heritage sites the VR solution aspires to offer immersive close to reality engaging visiting experiences.

Automatic relative humidity optimization in underground heritage sites through ventilation system based on digital twins

Underground heritage sites generally experience significant humidity, which results in the destruction of the surfaces and structures. This study establishes an underground heritage site preservation mechanism through a dynamic ventilation system based on digital twin technology. The aim is to control the relative humidity (RH) gradually on the air region near the walls of sites within the standard range and reduce adverse physical equipment effects and energy consumption of the system. Underground heritage site projects have more complex shapes with irregular and nonlinear arcs and height difference distributions. It is challenging to regenerate them. To achieve this objective, a model simplification rule for irregular heritage building information modeling (HBIM) technology was first established via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Second, a methodology was developed to design a reliable and effective ventilation equipment and its layout based on CFD for irregular heritage sites. Compared with the scheme based on the optimal geometric rule arrangement, the number of pipes can be reduced by up to 25%. Third, a web-based digital twin platform combined with Internet of Things (IoTs) technology was established for achieving real-time control of the overall RH level of underground heritage sites within the standard range. The results present new solutions to control the RH of underground heritage sites for preservation. The proposed methodology can be used in typical underground heritage sites and illustrated by a real case. The validation encompassed development of digital environment for the real case and development of the ventilation system for its RH optimization.

Critical Review of Pakistani Current Legislation on Sustainable Protection of Cultural Heritage

This paper discusses the contribution of individuals and their effects on the protection and management of archaeological sites found in the British colonies at the beginning of the 19th Century. Despite all these contributions, the most important bequest is the formation of comprehensive legislation on cultural properties that are still applicable and considered essential to the historic, standing, or ruined, monuments located in Pakistan. It should be noted that Pakistan’s heritage laws are uniformly applicable to all kinds of architectural heritage, archaeological sites, and monuments, irrespective of their nature, state, and classification. This contrasts with the lack of updates and amendments of rules and guidelines for the preservation of heritage sites and monuments across the country from further damages. The paper focuses on the current architectural and heritage management rules and policies of Pakistan, which are based on the British colonial legacy with some (partial) changes introduced since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need for the development of advanced management policies and proposed heritage management rules for the preservation of heritage constructions, archaeological sites, and architectural monuments to establish the link between the present and past to remain for future generations.

Community Perception and Attitude towards Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Protection Measures: An Exploratory Study in Muscat, Oman

Sustainable tourism supports a great level of tourist contentment and assures a significant experience for the visitors, realizes the importance of sustainability issues and encourages sustainable tourism practices and customs among them. Long-term success in tourism is possible only with the support of the local residents. Earlier research supports the significance of local population backing in order to make tourism more sustainable. As a result, it is necessary to comprehend the attitudes and perception of the local people, which will provide a treasured acquaintance for numerous tourism improvement programs. The present study was conducted in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, to understand the community perception on tourism impact and environmental protection measures taken by the government. The study indicates that the local community is aware of the benefits of tourism development. The government should take steps to create awareness about the need for public support for the preservation of heritage sites. They should also be provided information about how the local community can benefit by way of job opportunities, small businesses, etc.

Role of local legends in the protection and preservation of heritage sites: A study based on the recently documented legends from Hazara Division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan

ABSTRACT Legends - the folk stories of the local community - play a vital role in archaeological investigations. Many times these stories have led to important archaeological discoveries, and some have helped archaeologists to interpret the data. Local legends frequently act to safeguard sites, even though they may also destroy them. After addressing the concept of community archaeology to clarify the meaning of community engagement in archaeological projects, this article focuses on the role of legends in the protection of archaeological sites. A total of four sites all located in Hazara Division of Pakistan were selected for the present study. The legends associated with these sites narrate tragedies (that occurred during illegal digging at these sites. And, having strong belief in these legends, the local community do not dare to damage to these sites. Thus, this article argues that these sites remain in a better state of preservation as compared to other sites due to the influence of local legends.

Warisan Geologi, Biologi, Budaya Dan Kearifan Tempatan Tunjang Pembangunan Mersing Geopark

The district of Mersing is bestowed with many national and international geological heritage sites dated since 350 million years ago. The high biodiversity and uniqueness of the local culture complements the geoheritage of the area. Thus, the National Geopark Committee has chosen Mersing as a territory to be developed as a geopark. Mersing Geopark development efforts were initiated in 2017 through the Mersing Geopark Scientific and Development Committee. The entire Mersing district of 6,371 square kilometers, including the marine areas right up to the Aur Archipelago is identified as the geopark area. The geoheritage here has been identified as 22 geosites, which cover land and island areas. Important flora and fauna have also been identified as being within the protected areas. The unique and preserved traditions of life, art and culture add to the value of this geopark. Several key elements were introduced to prepare Mersing Geopark before being evaluated as a national geopark candidate in December 2018, namely governance of the geopark - management based on ‘co-management’ mechanism, nature conservation – community, community economy through geotourism activities, and public education. Many programmes and activities have been carried out to face future plans for Mersing to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. Geopark enhances natural and cultural heritage resources through integrated development, geotourism development to increase income, preservation of heritage sites and empowerment of local communities to foster a strong sense of pride and belonging to a place.

Continuing conflicts in cultural development: a review of the conflict history surrounding the Asia Culture Center

ABSTRACT Based on longitudinal research that began in 2008, this study examines the history of the conflicts surrounding the development of the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju, Korea, through documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. The ACC is a main facility of the Hub City of Asian Culture project, a large cultural investment in Korea. Although the ACC began with the ambition to be a cultural window into Asia, it has encountered several conflicts during the development process. This paper investigates the landmark debate, the heritage site preservation controversy, and the centre’s lack of leadership. It identifies that the project must appreciate the unique local circumstances, including the 5·18 Gwangju Democratisation Movement, to better understand the discussions and arguments around its heritage and the ACC. It also highlights the need for proper communication among stakeholders, who have fundamentally different expectations of the ACC due to their different interests.

Сохранение историко-культурного наследия регионов Большого Алтая (на примере Баян-Ульгийского аймака Монгольской Народной Республики)

The article discusses modern methods of preserving objects of historical and cultural heritage used by government agencies, the museum and scientific community in the regions of Mongolia. It is shown the importance of international cooperation as an effective form of identifying, studying and ensuring the preservation of heritage sites in the regions of the Greater Altai.

Initial data required for forensic construction and technical examination related to the implementation of heritage site preservation works

Introduction. The article addresses capital construction errors in historic areas of populated localities. The present-day construction industry places particular emphasis on problems associated with reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites. Most of Russia’s famous cities date back to the early Middle Ages, some of them were first mentioned in the days of the ancient world. Each of them has its own unique history of foundation and development, traceable in historic districts, their unique cultural monuments, architectural styles and designs. The condition of numerous monuments of history and culture is deplorable: they need restoration. However, difficulties and legislative hurdles are on the way to permits and approvals authorizing restoration. The relevance of this work deals with the reconstruction of buildings and structures, improvement and inevitable development of areas that will accommodate new construction projects. Materials and methods. The following research methods were applied: study of regulatory and legal documents pertaining to the field of research, analysis and theoretical generalization of the data collected, their comparison and systematization. Results. A study of literary sources on theoretical and practical issues of forensic construction and technical examination was conducted. The list of information and documents needed for this examination to be performed in respect of cultural heritage preservation work was compiled. Conclusions. The co-authors provide examples of frequent mistakes and difficulties encountered by developers at all stages of construction. The co-authors offer guidelines for the proper understanding of the line of efforts and operating procedures that may help to avoid difficulties and problems.

Problems of preservation of prehistoric cultural heritage objects in the Arctic

Problems of preservation and research of prehistoric cultural heritage objects in the Arctic are reviewed in the article. To determine the priority tasks in the field of preserving the heritage of this region, the most probable risks of physical loss and loss of quality of objects associated with natural and anthropogenic factors are analyzed. A special feature of the Arctic is its increased sensitivity to anthropogenic influence and climate change. Therefore, in the context of global warming, the risks of losing the cultural wealth of a region and a planet increase substantially. An important role in the preservation of heritage sites can be played by measures to ensure conservation status, involvement in tourism and recreation development projects. One of the aspects of the conservation problem is that the cultural heritage objects of the Arctic region are still poorly understood as a valuable resource of information about nature and society. New methods developed by the authors of the article allow us to consider prehistoric heritage sites as functional elements of the ancient life support system and the modern geocultural space. The use of these methods allows us to zone the territory with the allocation of sustainable areas, which have been performing environmental and informational social functions for thousands of years. It is on these sites that ancient heritage objects are located. Correctly holding the boundaries of prehistoric cultural heritage objects (in the natural boundaries of natural systems) allows us to save information about the functional relationships in the socio-natural system. The article shows that the application of the methodology and research methods developed by the authors of the article will significantly reduce the risks of losing cultural heritage in the Arctic and other regions

Review of Potential Risk Factors of Cultural Heritage Sites and Initial Modelling for Adaptation to Climate Change

There are a range of local weather- and climate-related factors that contribute to the degradation of cultural heritage buildings, structures, and sites over time. Some of these factors are influenced by changes in climate and some of these changes manifest themselves through a speeding up of the rate of degradation. It is the intention of this paper to review this situation with special reference to the Nordic Countries, where typical trends resulting from climate change are shorter winters and increased precipitation all year round. An attempt is made to initially draw up a classification of materials and structures relevant to cultural heritage that are affected, with a proposed numeric scale for the urgency to act. The intention is to provide information on where best to concentrate cultural heritage site preservation resources in the future.