This publication gives an overview of the state of conservation of World Heritage earthen architecture sites as well as outlining the various activities undertaken during the first period of the WHEAP Programme. It reflects on the challenges facing earthen architecture sites in relation to issues such as sustainable development and also demonstrates the resilience of such sites. The articles represent the diversity of earthen architecture on the World Heritage List.
Thanks to the detailed case studies and concrete management and conservation examples, this publication will serve as a useful resource for the scientific community, experts and all site managers concerned.
The publication deals with an extensive subject matter covering themes such as:
- World Heritage Cities
- Archaeological Sites
- Cultural Landscapes
- Armed Conflict/Post-Conflict Situations
- Natural Disasters
- Contemporary Earthen Architecture
- Education, Promotion and Outreach
Articles have been published in the language in which they were submitted thus the publication contains a mixture of French and English contributions.
The Colloquium took place at UNESCO Headquarters on 17 and 18 December 2012 - the midpoint of the UNESCO World Heritage Earthen Architecture Programme (WHEAP 2007–2017). A panel of forty leading experts from all regions of the world, including World Heritage site managers and professionals from institutions and universities, were able to share their research, recommendations and best practices for the conservation of World Heritage earthen architecture, and for the sustainable development of communities around the world. All contributing authors to the current publication presented at the colloquium or participated in the discussions. Thus, this publication unites contributions from earthen architecture experts around the world regarding their experiences in the conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of earthen architecture sites.