World Heritage sites are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Extreme weather, rising temperatures, high humidity and sea-level affect historical structures and archaeological sites accelerating deterioration, threatening authenticity, integrity and putting cultural buildings at risk of total loss. A comprehensive strategy, particularly through systematic documentation and monitoring, enabling early interventions are urgently necessary. Wadi Rum UNESCO-inscribed area, situated in southern Jordan is of extraordinary significance. The rock art, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence can be considered exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of its early inhabitants promoting tourism activities and consequently, being relevant for local economy. Unfortunately, this rock art and its numerous inscriptions are threatened by extreme weather conditions, which cause them to fade and make some petroglyphs difficult to distinguish and even disappear. The present paper proposes a novel ‘DUNE’ framework for the wide-ranging documentation and monitoring of the Cultural and Natural Heritage under hazard in the UNESCO area of Wadi Rum, Jordan. It highlights collaboration with local stakeholders, enabling early intervention in case of decay of inscriptions and petroglyphics due to harsher climate conditions and ensuring its safeguarded for future generations. Furthermore, the framework proposes the use of advanced digital technologies to create a sustainable and replicable approach. The methodology consists of three key phases: (i) Collaborative data documentation; (ii) Real-time monitoring and visualisation; and (iii) Knowledge dissemination and community engagement. While DUNE Framework offers a promising solution, the discussions address some challenges related to its implementation and long-term effectiveness.

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Digital Monitoring Systems to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change in Cultural Heritage Protected Areas: The Case Study of Wadi Rum UNESCO Site

  • Rania Aburamadan,
  • Victoria Cotella,
  • Luigi Petti

摘要

World Heritage sites are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Extreme weather, rising temperatures, high humidity and sea-level affect historical structures and archaeological sites accelerating deterioration, threatening authenticity, integrity and putting cultural buildings at risk of total loss. A comprehensive strategy, particularly through systematic documentation and monitoring, enabling early interventions are urgently necessary. Wadi Rum UNESCO-inscribed area, situated in southern Jordan is of extraordinary significance. The rock art, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence can be considered exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of its early inhabitants promoting tourism activities and consequently, being relevant for local economy. Unfortunately, this rock art and its numerous inscriptions are threatened by extreme weather conditions, which cause them to fade and make some petroglyphs difficult to distinguish and even disappear. The present paper proposes a novel ‘DUNE’ framework for the wide-ranging documentation and monitoring of the Cultural and Natural Heritage under hazard in the UNESCO area of Wadi Rum, Jordan. It highlights collaboration with local stakeholders, enabling early intervention in case of decay of inscriptions and petroglyphics due to harsher climate conditions and ensuring its safeguarded for future generations. Furthermore, the framework proposes the use of advanced digital technologies to create a sustainable and replicable approach. The methodology consists of three key phases: (i) Collaborative data documentation; (ii) Real-time monitoring and visualisation; and (iii) Knowledge dissemination and community engagement. While DUNE Framework offers a promising solution, the discussions address some challenges related to its implementation and long-term effectiveness.