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NDMA, UNESCO and ICCROM Host Workshop on Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage Sites in India
28 January, 2025, New Delhi: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), UNESCO and ICCROM organized a Consultative Workshop on Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage Sites. The consultation convened experts, policymakers, and heritage professionals to deliberate on strategies and solutions to protect India鈥檚 cultural heritage from the escalating threats of natural disasters and climate change.
The workshop aimed to establish a structured framework for safeguarding cultural heritage by systematically mitigating risks through risk assessments, preparedness and response strategies, disaster management plans, and community participation in disaster risk reduction.
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 and promoting public awareness campaigns to instil a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting our heritage.
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. Proactive measures are essential to safeguard our heritage for future generations. I would also like to emphasize that 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, we can ensure that these invaluable assets are protected when disasters strike.
Interactive sessions explored challenges and opportunities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for cultural heritage sites. Case studies highlighted the importance of community collaboration in protecting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO presented a case study on including cultural heritage in Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) focusing on both built and living heritage in Kerala, following the catastrophic floods of 2018.
The workshop concluded with group activities where participants identified actionable priorities for safeguarding India鈥檚 rich cultural heritage. Key recommendations included enhancing inter-agency collaboration, investing in capacity building, improving inventory management and documentation, adopting participatory approaches for disaster risk assessment, and integrating cultural heritage protection into educational curricula. This workshop marks a significant step in strengthening heritage resilience against growing disaster risks.
