Thematic analysis and characterisation to support climate vulnerability assessments of cultural World Heritage

Abstract

Climate change is ubiquitous and progressively more evident than other threats, affecting all types of World Heritage. However, comprehensive assessments of climate impacts upon all individual heritage properties are improbable given the extent and urgency of the challenge. Grouping properties by their similar values, common threats and/or geographic co-location is one approach to accelerate the evaluation of climate risk. This paper develops and demonstrates a thematic analysis methodology for grouping properties into themes and sub-themes based upon their similar cultural heritage characteristics. Defining thematically representative groups of properties can inform and facilitate assessments of climate vulnerability of properties with similar values, as well as enabling strategic networks of site managers whose responsibilities include managing similar threats. The Indian Subcontinent was selected for this analysis due to the variety of cultural World Heritage properties spread over a range of natural settings and climatic regions. The 49 properties analysed include some that are widely recognised (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort Complex), as well as other lesser known but no less significant cultural locations. The framework developed here is a valuable standalone tool for decision making providing a practical management strategy that can aid policy and practice; however, it also contributes to a broader understanding of the climate vulnerability and risk to cultural heritage. Eight cultural thematic groups developed here were standardised and validated against existing international cultural heritage categories to ensure transferability to other geographical and heritage regions. Within these, 71 sub-themes were identified that reflect region-specific heritage aspects. Beyond climate-change applications, the thematic framework and outcomes have potential to influence heritage management more broadly