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Recognizing the urgent need to act, UNESCO mobilized USD 150,000 from the World Heritage Fund to assist the Government of Sindh in assessing the damage and taking immediate remedial measures to protect the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites against the impact of future rainfall. Another USD 50,000 follow-up restoration project initiated at Makli to rehabilitate two severely damaged tombs due to the floods. These efforts have reinforced the importance of integrating disaster risk preparedness into the preservation of cultural heritage.

In response to these challenges and long-term capacity building needs, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology, Government of Sindh, and with resource persons from Sindh’s Irrigation and Forest Departments, organized a five-day workshop on “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage” from 18 to 22 November 2024 at the historic Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro. 

Led by Dr. Cristina Menegazzi, International Expert - Culture and Heritage of UNESCO Office in Pakistan, the training workshop engaged 25 participants from various disciplines, including architecture, engineering, art history, intangible heritage, and museum and archive curation, representing provincial concerned authorities, the Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan, professional associations, such as the national committee of the International Committee on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), universities, foreign archaeological missions and private cultural heritage companies, to exchange knowledge and best practices. Key topics included the impacts of climate change, digital transformation (including Artificial Intelligence applications), and the integration of traditional knowledge and gender equality into heritage preservation strategies. 

Mr. Wasim Sajad, working as a conservator for the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, shared why this workshop was important for him, and said “I belong to Swat, which is prone to many disasters such as floods, earthquakes and even fire. I joined this workshop to learn how to mitigate the impact of these disasters so that I can apply this knowledge in Swat.” 

Through practical exercises, field visits and expert insights, the participants learnt about disaster risk assessment, evaluating risks and threats to cultural heritage sites, preventive measures and techniques for disaster preparedness, role of communities in reducing disaster risks, emergency response and strategies for swift, coordinated action during crises, including the recovery phase.

Participants were also given insights on global frameworks and international guidelines for safeguarding cultural heritage during disasters. Dr. Saima Gulzar, Architectural Researcher at the University of Management & Technology (UMT) shared that the highlight of the workshop for her was learning about the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process, something that she was not familiar with previously. 

Ms. Adiya Hasan, a young architect, shared her key takeaways from the workshop saying, “We learned about how to prioritize our actions to protect cultural heritage in time of disaster, and work with the resources that we have at disposal. I will go back as an improved architect and individual and implement all these things that I have learned in my organization and in my work.” 

At the end of the workshop, participants have committed to put in place what they have learned by sharing the Disaster Risk Reduction approach, methodology, tools with their colleagues and develop concrete actions such as conducting workshops on Disaster Risk Reduction at their organizations for their colleagues, conducting lectures on Disaster Risk Reduction to impart the knowledge, forming an internal team to respond to disasters, and incorporating prevention, preparedness and recovery plans in working with tangible and intangible cultural assets. 

In his closing remarks at the workshop, Mr. Ihsan Ali, curator at the Archaeological Ruins at Mohenjo-Daro, appreciated the collaboration between UNESCO and the Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology, Government of Sindh, and emphasized the importance of Disaster Risk Reduction for safeguarding Pakistan's cultural heritage. He remarked, “Mohenjodaro and other heritage sites in Sindh are increasingly vulnerable to disasters. This workshop has equipped us with the tools and partnerships needed to ensure their protection for future generations.”

Dr. Cristina Menegazzi appreciated the support provided by the Government of Sindh and remarked, “The enthusiasm raised on Disaster Risk Reduction during the workshop should be maintained by providing other similar opportunities to more heritage professionals to create the basis for optimal professional coordination and response in case of a future disaster in the country.”