As part of the Alliance for Research on Cultural Heritage in Europe (ARCHE) project, the online workshop “European Partnership for Resilient Cultural Heritage: New Opportunities for International Cooperation – Asia and Oceania” was held on February 19th. The event gathered specialists from both regions to share innovative strategies for addressing the complex challenges of climate change and technological advancement, aiming to foster new international collaborations.
Integrating Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous knowledge is a key component in the preservation of cultural heritage. In Australia, Kate Nairn of Future Earth Australia opened the discussion by highlighting how organizations like the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) are working to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge into national heritage policies. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also helps preserve cultural landscapes and sacred sites that have been integral to local communities for centuries. Drew Kennedy of New South Wales Government and Shaun Awatere from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research in New Zealand both emphasized the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives into heritage management strategies, highlighting the need for community-driven approaches that marry traditional knowledge with scientific methods.
Leveraging Technology for Preservation
Technology has proven to be a game-changer in heritage preservation. In Singapore, Jervais Choo of the National Heritage Board showcased how 3D modeling and immersive video games are being used to engage the public and enhance education on heritage. These technologies help bridge the past with present-day innovations, allowing users to experience and interact with heritage sites in new ways. Similarly, in Thailand, Chulamanee Chartsuwan demonstrated the potential of combining modern digital techniques with traditional practices, noting how initiatives like “Chiang Mai Light Up” integrate heritage with cultural and economic development, supported by national museums and creative industries. On the critical theme of resilience, Mitsuri Haga of Tohoku University explained how Japan has also embraced technology, with the government deploying advanced disaster mitigation systems to protect cultural heritage sites, especially in response to the 2011 Fukushima tsunami. This includes seismic isolation tables and water cannons to safeguard important cultural properties from natural disasters.
Addressing Climate Change Risks
As climate change continues to threaten cultural heritage, particularly in coastal and vulnerable regions, there is an urgent need for risk mitigation strategies. In New Zealand, Richard Walter of the University of Otago and Coastal People Southern Skies stressed the importance of international cooperation and the application of predictive technologies to assess climate-related risks to heritage sites. These tools provide valuable insights for both local and global conservation efforts, including climate resilience strategies for at-risk cultural properties. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and temperature fluctuations present serious risks to coastal heritage, and addressing these threats requires innovative solutions, such as data-driven risk assessments and international knowledge sharing. He provided a specific example from his work in the Solomon Islands, where community-led programs to preserve ancestor shrines are supported by regional partnerships, directly linking predictive modeling to the protection of tangible sites integral to local identity.
Fostering International Collaboration
Many of the projects presented involved partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and international bodies, highlighting the value of transnational cooperation in addressing global heritage challenges. This roundtable reinforced that these are not separate issues, but interconnected facets of a single global challenge; true innovation lies in integrating indigenous knowledge into digital preservation tools while fostering global partnerships to ensure these solutions are both culturally sensitive and technologically robust. Climate change and technological advancements will continue to pose significant challenges, but the ongoing collaboration between science, heritage professionals, and local communities offers hope. By working together, these diverse stakeholders can develop innovative, sustainable solutions to protect cultural heritage.