Cultural landscapes in Southeast Asia

A key insight from Southeast Asia's cultural landscapes is the critical role of local communities in maintaining these sites, as demonstrated by the rice terraces that rely on annual upkeep to survive. Unlike Borobudur temples, which can be conserved exclusively by experts, the preservation of such landscapes hinges on protecting local ecosystems, transmitting traditional knowledge, and sustaining agro-based livelihoods. The study examines five UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Bali's Subak system, Vat Phou, the Philippines' rice terraces, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Trang An—that were inscribed for their cultural significance. It highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance conservation with community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of these landscapes.

Lin, R. C.-H., Unakul, M. H., & Chiba, M. (2023). Cultural landscapes in Southeast Asia. Routledge Handbook of Cultural Landscape Practice, 150–157. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315203119-16