2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-05-2024-0105
These words of introduction locate me on my tribal ancestral lands, and centres me as belonging to the Martuwarra, Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. My family and community’s inter-generational lived experiences of colonisation are grounded in the characteristics and learnings of “conflict, manipulation, dived and rule” as invasive unjust strategies of oppression and anti-dialogic action. These characteristics of oppression reflect invasive and unjust developments, colonialism continues to impact on our daily lives and threaten our cultural heritage, lifeways and livelihoods (Freire, 2005).Design/methodology/approachI understand the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action is a first of its kind, a capacity development project that aims to use Indigenous knowledge to develop integrated strategies for disaster risk reduction, climate action and peacebuilding (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024). Importantly, one of the aims of the Net Zero Project is to enhance risk reduction and coping capacities of vulnerable heritage communities. In this way, my video story speaking directly to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the interconnected issue of heritage safeguard, upholding cultural rights and sustainable development of our people who are vulnerable cultural bearers, importantly, how we are working to effect change locally, while strengthening efforts globally, as we see ourselves as planetary citizens with a duty of care to Mother Earth and humanity (Redvers et al., 2020).FindingsThe opportunity for freedom is being created through the growing coalitions of hope (Poelina, 2020). Organisations with a regenerative focus are connecting, networking, collectively thinking and transforming our world by being brave and challenging legal systems to recognise “rivers” as the lifeblood of our planet and our survival co-dependent on “a declaration of peace with Indigenous Australians with natures laws and first law” (RiverOfLife et al., 2024). Together we are decolonising our thinking; uniting and bringing together a pluriverse of ideas and actions to right size our planet and give humanity and Mother Earth a climate chance (RiverOfLife et al., 2024).Research limitations/implicationsThe final question, I ask my country and the world to sustain my culture, my home, my lifeways and my livelihood “can we achieve peace, harmony and balance”? Can we shift from business as usual, to the new economies, through intentional communities, through bicultural and bioregional planning and development? If the answer is yes, then there is hope for humanity, and the young ones yet to be born. Let us adopt the values, ethics and virtues found in First Law as a gift to healing our lands, our people and climate.Practical implicationsIt is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Social implicationsYi-Martuwarra people highlight the need for dialogue, unity, cooperation and multiple forms of evidence, to understand the cumulative impacts of development. It is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present, and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Originality/valueAs the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is imperative to centre Indigenous well-being in adaptation efforts by enabling bottom-up approaches via community-led solutions, promoting land rights, protecting traditional heritage and cultural practices and cultivating social connections. Given the increasing recognition of well-being as a fundamental marker of successful adaptation, it should be central to climate change research and policymaking, but for this to be of benefit to Indigenous Peoples and local communities context-specific understandings of health and well-being are necessary (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024).
Bhatia, Sanjaya; Shukla, Nidhi
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-05-2024-0095
This paper investigates potential solutions to the challenges governments and stakeholders face in applying climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions in ways that will save lives and use funds efficiently. The paper examines how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can improve resilience and assesses the potential impact of relevant tools and training. Successful examples of tools, and applications of traditional knowledge as an accelerator to enhanced resilience will be explored.Design/methodology/approachThe paper studies the importance of integrating cultural heritage with climate and disaster risk reduction plans and examines why this has not been happening to the extent it should. While probing the barriers to such integration, the paper also explores examples of best practice drawn from experience gathered in ICCROM projects. Possible mechanisms to overcome common barriers through training are suggested, and the role that training and relevant tools could play in enabling and accelerating such integration are studied.FindingsThe conclusions demonstrate that training is a critical factor in facilitating the knowledge enhancement needed to understand how to integrate disaster and climate risks.Originality/valueThe research was conducted as part of a training program which the authors helped organize. The analysis is the original work of the authors.
Carvalho, Aline Vieira de; Campos, Luana Cristina da Silva; Fachini, Cristina; Silva, João Paulo Soares; Otoni, João Pedro
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-04-2024-0079
This paper examines how the Camburi Quilombo community in Ubatuba, Brazil, can be empowered to develop cultural resilience and conserve its Afro-Brazilian heritage in the face of challenges posed by climate change, urbanization and cultural erosion with the adverse consequences of tourism and inadequate infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachEmphasizing traditional knowledge, the project consisted of data collection, climate risk assessments and the development of an action plan in collaboration with academic institutions, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).FindingsAligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), the project contributes to zero hunger, quality education, sustainable cities, climate action and life on land. Seed exchange fairs, decentralized seed banks and education initiatives foster environmental awareness and sustainable agriculture, impacting the community directly and over 1,000 individuals indirectly. While demonstrating short-term changes and mid-term viability, the project faced some challenges due to local communication complexities and overlapping jurisdiction.Originality/valueServing as a bridge between scientific research and local knowledge, the project aims to promote a paradigm shifts toward recognizing, respecting and incorporating indigenous practices, so that a more environmentally aware future can be envisioned for these communities amidst climate challenges. Reflecting on achievements, the project underscores integrating diverse cultural knowledge for community resilience.
Elsayed, Amira Sadik; El Siedy, Rehab; Mustafa, Islam Kamal
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-06-2024-0158
This paper delves into the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and practices of Burj Rashid, an ancient historical city on Egypt’s northern coast, which stands at the meeting point of the Nile’s western branch and the Mediterranean Sea. Burj Rashid boasts a strategic location and rich natural resources and has a long history of relationships between land, people, river, sea and climate change, serving as a model for residents’ adaptation to their ever-changing surroundings.Design/methodology/approachClimate studies have exposed the village’s vulnerability to climate and topographical hazards such as rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, decreasing precipitation, encroaching seas due to sea level rise, coastal erosion and high soil salinization. These factors pose a high risk of water scarcity, crop failure in the medium term, potential famine in the long term and declining fish populations, threatening fishing communities. To address these challenges, the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action project - launched by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the First Aid and Resilience for Culture in Times of Crisis program, funded by Swedish Postcode - proposes a research and development methodology through a platform that weaves together heritage knowledge and climate science. The Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation has implemented a platform in Burj Rashid as an innovative site to study risks, vulnerabilities and capacities.FindingsThe project will explore root causes, identify risk scenarios and establish a stakeholder map to guide the development of mitigation strategies and resilience-building measures.Originality/valueBy harnessing the wisdom of TEK and integrating it with scientific knowledge, the project paves the way for innovative climate change adaptation strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of Burj Rashid’s unique cultural heritage.
Kanji, Repaul; Madapala, Jeevan; Sil, Sriparna
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-04-2024-0076
This paper documents the outcomes of a year-long intervention designed to address climate challenges in Jodhpur, India. The intervention employed a phased approach that combined traditional knowledge, innovative communication strategies and youth engagement. The question guiding the interventions was: Can traditional knowledge, indigenous practices and place-based wisdom be used for risk-informed sustainable development?Design/methodology/approachThe project utilised a mixed methods approach to achieve its goals. A documentary titled “Sanchay” was produced, capturing the perspectives of Jodhpur residents on climate risks. An architectural analysis of traditional houses was conducted to identify and understand their inherent climate-smart features. Immersive workshops engaged young minds in exploring climate change through creative expression, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become agents of change.Findings“Sanchay” serves as a novel method for understanding risk through the lens of citizen narratives, offering a valuable complement to traditional top-down risk assessment methods. The architectural report provides evidence for integrating traditional knowledge into sustainable construction practices. The immersive workshops empowered young people to become agents of change within their communities. Finally, the capacity building initiatives strengthened the human resource base for future climate action effortsOriginality/valueThis project introduces a novel method for understanding risk through participatory storytelling, centred on the lived experiences of community members. It demonstrates the efficacy of combining traditional knowledge with science and technology for climate action.
Minguez Garcia, Barbara; Saif Alislam Abdulgadir Ahmed, Malathe; Elgadi, Esraa Osman; Elkhalifa, Akram Ahmed
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-03-2024-0053
Located at the confluence of the White and Blue Niles, in the core of Sudan’s capital, the small island of Tuti has been affected by flooding events throughout its history. To protect it, the Tuti people (Tawatas) developed the Taya, a traditional early warning, community-based flood management system. However, several challenges, including climate change impacts, demographic variations, a fluctuating economy and, more recently, an ongoing armed conflict, are increasing the risks associated with the annual flooding, threatening this traditional knowledge and other local community practices.Design/methodology/approachIn the framework of International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)’s Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action project Tuti Island was presented as an innovation site, aiming to deepen on Tuti’s traditional knowledge as an efficient heritage-based adaptation strategy to reduce the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, the implementation of the project faced more challenges and constraints than initially foreseen when the conflict broke out in the capital of Sudan in April 2023. The project activities, methodology and approach had to be redesigned in light of the new situation.FindingsThe Taya traditional system plays a key role in reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing the community’s capacity to address the impacts of climate change, as well as to cope with other crises, including armed conflict, due to its deep connection with the Tawata’s identity.Originality/valueThe project, which was originally planned to focus on climate action through heritage, became a representative case of the disaster–conflict nexus, reminding us that overlapping crises may occur in the same area, putting additional pressure on the population, their cultural heritage and the measures to tackle specific issues.
Nsibambi, Fredrick; Akiiki, Aliguma Ahabyona
2024 Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/jchmsd-05-2024-0111
This case study examines the contribution of Indigenous knowledge (IK) and practices to climate action at Ekisalhalha kya Kororo sacred site, adjacent to Rwenzori Mountains National Park in the Kasese district of Western Uganda. This paper is intended to make a case for IK as an important component of climate change mitigation strategies especially if the knowledge is profiled and publicised. The paper presents aspects of traditional knowledge in terms of ceremonies, rituals, norms and customs that can be re-energised for climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed mainly a participatory and qualitative data collection methodology. The data were collected in Kasese district largely from the local government officials, cultural leaders, civil society actors and representatives of indigenous minority communities such as the Basongora. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, at the desk and through community interactions to collect various narratives based on IK. Primary data were collected during individual interviews, by administering a semi-structured questionnaire and holding focus group discussions with different stakeholders in Kasese, Uganda. The respondents were carefully identified and included cultural leaders, young people, local government authorities and representatives of civil society organisations responsible for implementing climate change mitigation strategies.FindingsClimate change effects are manifest in rising temperatures, flooding, desertification and other natural hazards. The Kasese district, in particular, has faced several climatic change catastrophes and there has been limited use or mainstreaming of the existing IK of the communities in the region in different climate action interventions. Amongst the key research findings was that IK can be utilised to address or mitigate climate change risks/hazards and provide valuable insights into climate adaptation strategies, including rain-water harvesting, weather forecasting and preparedness, and sustainable farming practices. In addition, it is easily accessible, especially in areas that modern science has not reached.Research limitations/implicationsFew elders with IK related to climate change mitigation and the disconnect between young people and IK bearers were limitations encountered during data collection.Originality/valueThe information in the article is an original compilation by the authors based on previous published work from the NetZero Heritage for Climate Action research project.
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