GIS-Driven Risk Assessment and Strategic Conservation for the Maritime Heritage of El-Max, Alexandria: Integrating Multidisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Heritage Management
摘要
This study presents a comprehensive Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based approach to risk assessment and conservation strategy development for the maritime heritage of El-Max, Alexandria. Through the integration of primary data collection, spatial analysis, and hazard quantification, this research addresses critical gaps in the conservation of coastal heritage areas, which are increasingly threatened by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The GIS-driven methodology enabled the identification and prioritization of risks, offering a nuanced understanding of the spatial dynamics at play. Key findings reveal significant vulnerabilities within the El-Max area due to natural and anthropological factors, which pose ongoing threats to its maritime heritage integrity. By applying a customized risk matrix, the study not only quantifies these threats but also proposes targeted conservation strategies that are essential for sustainable heritage management. The suggestions of this research are vital for policymakers and conservation practitioners, providing a replicable model for heritage conservation that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and UNESCO’s frameworks for the protection of cultural and natural heritage. The study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 through a generous contribution of the Honor Frost Foundation.