Cultural heritage

These stories from four communities in three countries show how connection to culture and place can be either challenged or sustained when relocation becomes necessary.

A landmark 113-year-old church at risk from ground subsidence is being relocated in its entirety - in a 5km (3 miles) move along a road in Sweden's far north.

2025 marks ten years since the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake(s) struck Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 people, and causing catastrophic damage to lives and livelihoods, as well as physical, social, and cultural infrastructure.

By 2080 rising sea levels could cause seasonal waves to reach Ahu Tongariki, the iconic ceremonial platform that is part of the Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Drawing on case studies from Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Vanuatu, Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, and beyond, the publication illustrates how communities are leveraging ancestral knowledge and traditional practices to adapt to environmental challenges.

Our past and culture are never dead: keeping cultural heritage safe is preserving a part of our lives. SRSG Kamal Kishore reflects on some mistakes we make in DRR efforts for cultural heritage, and the lessons in resilience ancient cultures offer.

Drawing on experiences gained in managing the impact of disasters on cultural heritage, this Bulletin presents examples, case studies, approaches and strategies to manage risks at international, national, and local levels.

Rethinking priorities for post-disaster recovery is essential as the scale, frequency and impact of natural and climate change-related disasters grows.