Human-induced Water related Hazards and Cultural Heritage. An Overview

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Human-induced Water related Hazards and Cultural Heritage. An Overview Amanda LAOUPI* *

Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards & Proactive Planning – National Technical University of Athens, alaoupi@otenet.gr

Abstract:

Key words:

1.

Water related hazards represent a serious multi-level threat with direct and indirect impact, periodic reappearance and complicated socioeconomic profile. Apart from the natural water-related hazards (flooding, tsunami, tropical cyclone-driven storm surges, landslides, debris flow and soil liquefaction, temperature & moisture variations (periodic freezing, ice, heat and rain, existence of saline waters near the monuments), various human-induced hazards (construction of dams, loss of the wetlands, acid rain, weathering, sea-level rise / coastal changes and socio-economic factors related to water disasters) threat the cultural landscapes. The aim of this paper is to identify and categorise these potentially destructive factors in a flexible and comprehensible methodological framework, hat enhances public awareness and sensitivity towards the evaluation and salvation of the Landscapes of Memory.

cultural heritage, human-induced hazards, landscapes of memory, waterrelated disasters

INTRODUCTION

The presence of water hazards was always been emphasised in the survival mentality of human communities, playing a crucial role in the transformation of human civilization. On the other hand, cultural landscapes are extremely vulnerable to the disasters related to water. Apart from the fact that these events are increasing, institutions and countries take action after damage has occurred. But rather than financing relief, it is essential to think of risk management as a coherent suite of actions including cultural assessment, prevention, monitoring, preparation, intervention and sustainable reconstruction. Although not all disasters can be avoided, preventive measures should play an important role and have proven to be cost effective. In order to increase the coping capacity of cultural heritage, and decrease its vulnerability to water hazards, policies, either in local, regional, national or international level, should be less dependent on environmental extremes. Detailed analyses of the cultural landscapes and integrated vulnerability assessment of the Š Water Resources Management: New Approaches and Technologies, European Water Resources Association, Chania, Crete - Greece, 14-16 June 2007.


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