(World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change and other regional or global challenges, like armed conflict, demographic changes, economic crises, mass tourism and many others, pose serious threats and have had a great impact on many (world) heritage sites around the globe. A significant number of sites are affected in a negative way, as heritage values are in danger and different parts of complete heritage systems are impacted. The understanding of cultural heritage is a holistic heritage approach that goes beyond traditional sectors of heritage as being tangible and intangible, but rather embraces the different parts together with people from cultural heritage. This MDPI topic collection across different scientific journals seeks to achieve the following aims:

• To discuss challenges, threats and transformation at (world) heritage sites;
• To provide examples and case studies to understand the effects and impacts;
• To contextualize change and transformation from a theoretical perspective;
• To understand the impact on heritage systems with a new heritage approach;
• To provide insights into successful governance approaches and tools to stimulate resilience for heritage sites;
• To reflect on recovery and mitigation approaches that are based on cultural heritage;
• To understand how the impacts are affecting different parts and users of the heritage systems.

Dr. Matthias Ripp
Prof. Dr. Christer Gustafsson
Dr. Rohit Jigyasu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Climate climate	3.0	5.5	2013	19.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Heritage heritage	2.0	2.9	2018	19.8 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Tourism and Hospitality tourismhosp	-	3.0	2020	17.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Conservation conservation	-	-	2021	35.6 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Climate Heritage Tourism and Hospitality Sustainability Conservation

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26 pages, 8715 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Climate Resilience and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Mitigation: The Valencia Paradigm

by Nuno D. Cortiços and Carlos C. Duarte

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114980 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 255

Abstract

The Valencia region exemplifies the intricate interplay of climate, urbanization, and human interventions in managing hydrological systems amidst increasing environmental challenges. This study explores the escalating risks posed by flood events, emphasizing how anthropogenic factors—such as urban expansion, sediment exploitation, and inadequate land [...] Read more.

The Valencia region exemplifies the intricate interplay of climate, urbanization, and human interventions in managing hydrological systems amidst increasing environmental challenges. This study explores the escalating risks posed by flood events, emphasizing how anthropogenic factors—such as urban expansion, sediment exploitation, and inadequate land use—amplify the vulnerabilities to extreme weather patterns driven by abnormal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) concentration. Nature-based solutions (NBS) like floodplain restoration and dam removal are analyzed for their benefits in enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity but are critiqued for unintended consequences, including accelerated river flow and sedimentation issues. This study further examines the impacts of forest fires, exacerbated by land abandonment and insufficient management practices, on soil erosion and runoff. A critical evaluation of global policies like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals the tension between aspirational targets and practical, locally-driven implementations. By advocating historical insights, ecological restoration practices, and community engagement, the findings highlight the importance of adaptive strategies to harmonize global frameworks with local realities through modeling and scaling simulations, offering a replicable model for sustainable flood mitigation and resilience building in Mediterranean contexts and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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17 pages, 11666 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Effectiveness of Temperature Control with MPCM Grouting for Cracks in the Earthen Ruins of Gaochang Ancient City

by Jiahua Zou, Xiaofei Mao and Dongbo Li

Heritage 2025, 8(6), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060184 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 169

Abstract

Facing the challenges of temperature gradient-induced soil cracking and delamination in earthen ruins like Gaochang Ancient City, this study develops a novel phase change microcapsule (MPCM) grouting material designed for dual functionality: structural reinforcement and thermal regulation. We systematically evaluated its performance in [...] Read more.

Facing the challenges of temperature gradient-induced soil cracking and delamination in earthen ruins like Gaochang Ancient City, this study develops a novel phase change microcapsule (MPCM) grouting material designed for dual functionality: structural reinforcement and thermal regulation. We systematically evaluated its performance in both aspects. Experimental results demonstrated excellent thermal cycling stability. For instance, the maximum mass loss was only 0.65% after 200 cycles, indicating its reliability for long-term service. Evaluation showed that the material effectively provides structural strength compatible with the original soil. With 15% MPCM content, the compressive strength reached 1.39 MPa. Simultaneously, it effectively mitigates temperature fluctuations, significantly regulating temperature gradients. The MPCM-15 sample, for example, reduced the heating rate by 9.7 °C/h and peak temperature by 6.0 °C compared to the control group. Field application further validated its effectiveness in both restoring structural integrity by filling cracks and significantly reducing temperature gradient effects within the site. This dual-function MPCM grouting offers a promising new technical approach for the sustainable preservation of earthen cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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23 pages, 635 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Governance Strategies for the Management of Museums and Heritage Institutions

by Héctor Moreno Mendoza and Agustín Santana Talavera

Heritage 2025, 8(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8040127 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 622

Abstract

The management of museums and cultural heritage institutions requires a collaborative approach that involves diverse actors in decision-making. This study analyses four models of cultural management (dependent, autonomous, non-profit, and private) through case studies on the island of Gran Canaria, highlighting their advantages [...] Read more.

The management of museums and cultural heritage institutions requires a collaborative approach that involves diverse actors in decision-making. This study analyses four models of cultural management (dependent, autonomous, non-profit, and private) through case studies on the island of Gran Canaria, highlighting their advantages and limitations. As a result, a hybrid model of governance is proposed that integrates elements of the public, private, and social sectors, promoting the active participation of all stakeholders. However, the implementation of this model faces challenges such as resistance to change on the part of some institutions, the difficulty of coordinating divergent interests between public and private actors, and the need to establish regulatory frameworks that facilitate collaboration without compromising heritage conservation. Despite these obstacles, this approach seeks to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and adaptability of heritage institutions to contemporary tourism and conservation challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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10 pages, 1234 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship Between Restorativeness, Environmental Risk Perception, and Well-Being: The Case Study of Piazzola sul Brenta

by Laura Miola, Enrico Rinaldi, Sara Di Resta and Francesca Pazzaglia

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411129 - 19 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 835

Abstract

Urban environments in Northeastern Italy, both natural and historical, are exposed to urbanization, climate change, and environmental risks that can impact perceptions of environmental quality and sustainability. However, the relationship between the perceived environmental risks, the related emotions, and the quality of urban [...] Read more.

Urban environments in Northeastern Italy, both natural and historical, are exposed to urbanization, climate change, and environmental risks that can impact perceptions of environmental quality and sustainability. However, the relationship between the perceived environmental risks, the related emotions, and the quality of urban living and well-being remains underexplored. The present study, therefore, aims to investigate the link between the perceived risk of adverse events and the emotion felt about the possibility of damage to historically and economically valuable sites, as well as the residents’ restorativeness, well-being, residential satisfaction, and sense of community. Participants completed online questionnaires addressing the following variables: perceived risk of environmental events; emotions of possible damage; restorativeness; well-being; residential satisfaction; and sense of community. The results showed negative relationships between perceived risk and residential satisfaction, well-being and restorativeness, but positive relationships between negative emotions of losing places of economic value and residential satisfaction, sense of community, and restorativeness. The findings highlight the role of emotions and restorativeness with well-being and satisfaction in residents of Piazzola sul Brenta (Italy). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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21 pages, 4029 KiB  

Open AccessReview

A Review of Atmospheric Deterioration and Sustainable Conservation of Calcareous Stone in Historical Buildings and Monuments

by Yu Yan and Yansong Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10751; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310751 - 7 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

Calcareous stones, such as marble and limestone, have been widely used in ancient architecture due to their durability, abundance, and ease of extraction and workability. However, their chemical nature renders them vulnerable to atmospheric pollutants. With industrialization and socio-economic growth, air pollution has [...] Read more.

Calcareous stones, such as marble and limestone, have been widely used in ancient architecture due to their durability, abundance, and ease of extraction and workability. However, their chemical nature renders them vulnerable to atmospheric pollutants. With industrialization and socio-economic growth, air pollution has severely impacted built heritage, including numerous historical buildings and monuments, particularly under changing climate and environmental conditions. Various forms of degradation, such as acid corrosion, mineral crystallization, and black crusts, are widespread and typically driven by atmospheric pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), ozone (O₃), and particulates (PM), which accelerate the deterioration of stone surfaces. To develop sustainable mitigation strategies, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of these deterioration mechanisms and current technological advancements. This paper first reviews the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms of atmospheric deterioration of calcareous stones. Subsequently, it discusses the advantages and limitations of traditional and advanced conservation and restoration techniques at the micro-level, as well as pollution management strategies that can be adopted. Finally, the challenges of research in this field are highlighted, and directions for the sustainable conservation of calcareous stones are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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