Vedrana Ikalović’s Post

In the past 3 days, I’ve visited a number of World Heritage Sites in Turkey, including: - The ruins of the oldest city in the world, Çatalhöyük (hint: streets hadn’t been invented yet); - A three-adjoining-valleys cave village, Zelve, where a monastery and a mosque sat across from each other and living in peace for centuries; - Two of the “underground cities” in the Cappadocia region. I learned about the strength of human ingenuity in meeting the urban needs of the times, early feats of engineering, stories of resilience and the human spirit. Sadly, much of this heritage is being lost due to erosion, accelerated through the pace of climate change. Still, so much learning and inspiration. #cityplanning #urbanplanning #urbandesign #plangirltravels #TravellingUrbanEnthusiasts #travellingplanners #learningbyseeing

This cartography reveals the winding rivers that irrigate the island of Madagascar, 🗺️ unveiling its complex hydrographic network like the vital veins 💧 of a resilient body 🌍. The bluish rivers meander through the island's contours, 🌊 narrating the history of a land shaped by the forces of water since time immemorial ⏳. Beyond its geographical representation, this map is an ode to natural and human resilience. The rivers, 🔄 akin to threads of liquid silver, evoke the perpetual cycle of life, 🌳 springing from the heights before merging into the oceans to be reborn ⛰️. They symbolize the constant flow of change to which the people of Madagascar have adapted, inside the contours of the island and omin the challenges they've faced. Like these flowing waters, 💧 resilience involves constant movement, a capacity to adapt and overcome obstacles with flexibility ♻️. This map thus celebrates the quiet strength ✨ of a nation whose identity remains inseparable from its natural environment, reflecting the harmony between humanity and nature 🌎 that endures despite challenges.

📣 Guidebook for Action on the World Heritage in Danger, a tool for protecting and safeguarding our cultural and natural treasures, through practical recommendations, strategies and examples.

"UNESCO's WORLD HERITAGE Committee" For the 1st time India will host the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. (Establishment: The World Heritage Committee was formed under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention during the 17th session of the General Conference on November 16, 1972. Membership: Comprising 21 States Parties to the convention, the members are elected by the General Assembly. Current members include: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Viet Nam, and Zambia. The term of office for a Committee member lasts for six years. (Implementation: The Committee oversees the en- forcement of the World Heritage Convention, manages the World Heritage Fund, and distributes financial aid. World Heritage Sites List: It holds the authority to determine whether a property should be added to the World Heritage List. Monitoring Conservation Efforts: The Committee reviews conservation reports of inscribed properties and requires States Parties to address any management deficiencies. World Heritage in Danger: It has the power to both inscribe and remove properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

European cities face numerous challenges in their development. Demography is one of them. While in the past cities grew uncontrollably, (which is still a case in large cities everywhere in the world), a new trend emerged. Small communities all over Europe keep loosing their population. Is your city among them? How can local governments react in this regard? There is no better program than URBACT to tackle this kind of issue. We are the Residents of the Future | URBACT APN network. Together, we are fighting the good fight. Šibenik, Croatia Mangualde, Portugal Plasencia, Spain Saint-Quentin, France Mantova, Italy Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina Saldus, Latvia Iisalmi, Finland Alba Iulia, Romania

HeriTACE report: Case-study Selection at Building and Neighbourhood Levels 🏘️ This report is the foundation for further investigation in the HeriTACE project, particularly on the renovation of heritage #townhouses that considers not only the energy use, but also #heritage value, user comfort, functionality, and other factors. A holistic approach requires a #transdisciplinary understanding of the heritage building and its context, which is the primary objective of this report. The HeriTACE project focuses on small to medium-sized heritage townhouses built before 1945, a building type prevalent in many European cities. The research is conducted by selecting the most representative archetypes in four countries (#Belgium, #Norway, #Estonia, and #Italy) to ensure the replicability of the renovation strategies. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/esYkmpPG

🏔️ Mountains and Heritage-Making: Balancing Conservation and Cultural Preservation In recent years, mountain regions have gained significant recognition as both cultural and natural heritage. This global trend, championed by Western countries and Eastern Asia, has been institutionalized by organizations like UNESCO, ICCROM, and IUCN. The goal? To protect these precious landscapes and traditional practices, while fostering social cohesion within mountain communities. Heritage designation offers incredible benefits, from the creation of national parks to the safeguarding of cultural traditions. It also promotes sustainable tourism that supports local economies, as seen in successful examples like Australia’s Uluru and the inscription of Alpinism as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. These initiatives show how heritage-making can tackle contemporary challenges like climate change while preserving the essence of mountain traditions. However, there are challenges, including over-tourism, cultural commodification, and the disruption of traditional systems. As highlighted in a new policy brief, careful planning and community engagement are essential. The brief, featuring insights from GEDT members Prof. Bernard D. and Peter Bille Larsen, stresses the importance of local knowledge in creating policies that harmonize heritage preservation with the livelihoods of mountain communities. https://lnkd.in/eX_f8EEA #CulturalHeritage #MountainConservation #SustainableTourism #ISE #UNESCO #Alpinism #LocalCommunities

World Heritage Day, observed annually on April 18th, celebrates and raises awareness of cultural heritage sites globally. Also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, it emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage. This day recognizes sites listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. The theme for World Heritage Day 2024 is "Discover and Experience Diversity," highlighting the world's diverse cultural and natural treasures. This theme encourages deeper appreciation and understanding of various cultures, traditions, and ecosystems that form our shared heritage. The idea of World Heritage Day was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to UNESCO in 1982 and was officially adopted in 1983 during UNESCO's 22nd conference. Since then, ICOMOS has recommended specific themes each year for global celebrations. World Heritage Day is not just about recognizing listed sites; it also emphasizes the broader appreciation of all culturally significant landscapes. It reminds us of the importance of conserving and protecting these sites for future generations. This day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. It educates people about the rich history, traditions, and biodiversity presented by these treasures. It also promotes sustainable tourism practices to protect these sites and empower local communities. Currently, there are 1199 World Heritage Sites globally, including cultural, natural, and mixed sites, with 56 sites on the danger list. . . . #WorldHeritageDay #CulturalHeritage #NaturalHeritage #UNESCO #ICOMOS #PreserveOurPast #HeritageConservation #CulturalDiversity #HistoricSites #GlobalHeritage #SustainableTourism #ProtectOurHeritage #HeritageAwareness #SharedHistory #ConservationEfforts #UNESCOWorldHeritage #CulturalTreasures #HeritageProtection #HistoricalSites #CulturalPreservation #CelebrateDiversity #OurSharedHeritage #HeritageSites #CulturalLandscapes #ProtectOurPast #HeritageEducation #HeritageForFuture

The Impact of Mega National and International Projects on the Cultural Heritage of Gilgit Baltistan Gilgit Baltistan, located in northern Pakistan, is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history and traditions. However, the region faces challenges stemming from mega national and international projects, which have both positive and negative impacts on its cultural landscape. This essay critically examines the consequences of such projects on Gilgit Baltistan's cultural heritage. Cultural Erosion: Mega projects, like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), involve extensive infrastructure development, which can threaten cultural sites and practices. For example, the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the submergence of archaeological sites, eroding the region's cultural heritage. Environmental Degradation: Infrastructure projects often result in environmental degradation, affecting both natural landscapes and cultural sites. The expansion of roads and highways in Gilgit Baltistan has led to deforestation and habitat destruction, endangering unique flora and fauna, as well as cultural practices dependent on the environment, such as traditional agriculture and pastoralism. Cultural Homogenization: Tourism initiatives linked to mega projects can promote a standardized version of culture, catering to mass tourism and commercial interests. This trend can lead to the commodification of cultural practices, diminishing their authenticity and value. For instance, the influx of tourists has led to the commercialization of indigenous crafts and traditions, altering their significance within local communities. Social Disruption: Mega projects often disrupt social cohesion and community dynamics. The influx of migrant workers and the establishment of new settlements can strain existing social structures, leading to tensions over land ownership and resource distribution. Additionally, the unequal distribution of benefits from development projects can exacerbate socio-economic disparities, further marginalizing vulnerable communities. Lack of Cultural Preservation: Despite the cultural significance of Gilgit Baltistan, there is a lack of comprehensive cultural preservation efforts in the planning and execution of mega projects. Limited consultation with local communities and inadequate cultural impact assessments contribute to the neglect of cultural heritage conservation. As a result, many historical sites and cultural practices remain under threat from development pressures. In conclusion, while mega national and international projects offer opportunities for economic growth and development in Gilgit Baltistan, they also pose significant challenges to its cultural heritage. It is essential to prioritize cultural preservation alongside development goals, ensuring that the unique identity and traditions of Gilgit Baltistan are safeguarded for future generations.

Historical sites and landmarks are fundamental to preserving a nation's cultural identity and ancestral heritage. When properly maintained, these sites not only safeguard priceless cultural legacies but also generate economic benefits for their communities. Engaging all stakeholders in conservation efforts is crucial to transform these historical locations into vibrant, sustainable destinations that connect current and future generations to their roots. These cultural treasures serve as bridges between past and present, strengthening social cohesion and providing invaluable insights into ancestral knowledge and practices. However, they face numerous threats: time's natural decay, climate change, pollution, unchecked urbanization, and general neglect. Without decisive action, this irreplaceable heritage risks permanent damage or loss. The Royal Commission for Makka City and the Holy Sites RCMC was established specifically to address these challenges, working to preserve and restore historical landmarks while protecting them from further degradation. Their work ensures these sacred and cultural spaces continue to serve as living links to the nation's civilizational heritage. I've seen firsthand how cultural preservation initiatives can transform communities and create lasting economic impact. Let's continue this important conversation about protecting our heritage for future generations.