Experts and Policymakers Discuss Strategies to Protect India’s Cultural Heritage from Disasters
New Delhi, India – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), UNESCO, and ICCROM recently organized a Consultative Workshop on Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage Sites in India. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and heritage professionals to discuss strategies for safeguarding India’s cultural heritage from increasing threats such as natural disasters and climate change.
The workshop focused on developing a structured framework for disaster risk management in cultural heritage sites by emphasizing risk assessments, preparedness strategies, disaster management planning, and community participation in disaster risk reduction.
Commitment to Integrating Cultural Heritage into Disaster Risk Management
Shri Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of Department (HoD) at NDMA, emphasized the importance of incorporating cultural heritage protection into India’s overall disaster risk reduction framework.
“NDMA is committed to integrating cultural heritage protection into our broader disaster risk reduction framework. Together, we need to work on three key priorities: collaborating with state governments and local authorities to conduct risk assessments for heritage sites; developing templates for disaster management plans specific to cultural heritage; and organizing capacity-building programs for site managers, local communities, and first responders, while promoting public awareness campaigns to instill a sense of responsibility toward protecting our heritage.”
UNESCO Calls for Proactive Measures to Safeguard Cultural Heritage
Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, highlighted the urgent need to protect cultural heritage sites from the impact of climate change.
“Rising sea levels, increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns are jeopardizing our historical sites. The urgency of risk preparedness for cultural heritage cannot be overstated. We must recognize that our cultural heritage extends beyond monumental sites; it encompasses living heritage as well. Disaster risk reduction and management for cultural heritage should not be treated as an isolated issue—it must be integrated into national and state-level disaster management strategies.”
By embedding cultural heritage considerations into broader disaster management frameworks, Curtis emphasized that these invaluable assets could be better protected during disasters.
Interactive Sessions and Case Studies on Disaster Preparedness
The workshop featured interactive discussions on challenges and opportunities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for cultural heritage sites. Case studies showcased the role of community collaboration in protecting both tangible and intangible heritage.
One notable example presented by UNESCO was a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) case study from Kerala, following the devastating 2018 floods. The study highlighted the importance of integrating cultural heritage considerations into disaster recovery efforts.
Key Recommendations from the Workshop
The workshop concluded with group activities, where participants identified practical steps to enhance the resilience of India’s cultural heritage sites against disasters. Key recommendations included:
- Strengthening inter-agency collaboration to improve coordination in disaster risk management.
- Investing in capacity-building programs for site managers, local communities, and emergency responders.
- Enhancing inventory management and documentation for better heritage site monitoring.
- Adopting participatory approaches for disaster risk assessment by involving local stakeholders.
- Integrating cultural heritage protection into educational curricula to raise awareness.
This collaborative initiative marks a significant step in ensuring the long-term protection and resilience of India’s rich cultural heritage in the face of increasing disaster risks.