Introduction

Abstract

Disasters triggered by natural hazards and climate change have become an integral part of our daily lives. These disasters not only put countless human lives in danger and result in significant economic losses but also pose a serious threat to the cultural heritage of societies. Cultural heritage sites and related intangible heritage hold not only historic, scientific, functional, artistic, and aesthetic significance, but also embody various social values that are essential to pass on to future generations. Despite international efforts to protect the worlds cultural heritage, natural hazards, and human activities continue to pose a severe threat to cultural heritage in all its forms. This volume offers a comprehensive view of the relevant scholarship on disaster risk preparedness and post-disaster recovery for immovable cultural heritage in recent decades. It explores the methodologies used to assess the vulnerabilities and values of cultural heritage affected by such disasters, and discusses the role of local communities and traditional knowledge in disaster risk mitigation. New technologies such as remote sensing and digital databases are also widely discussed, as they offer new possibilities for heritage protection, management, and recovery. The chapters of this volume draw on the practical and research experience of the authors and contributors who specialise in risk preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery of cultural heritage. This volume will prove valuable to a wide range of individuals with an interest in cultural heritage protection, including heritage managers, architects, engineers, archaeologists, conservators, urban planners, curators, journalists, and other allied professionals, as well as students and scholars in these fields. (c) 2024 selection and editorial matter, Bijan Rouhani and Xavier Romão; individual chapters, the contributors.