Advances in Sustainable Conservation Practices in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO's World Heritage List

Rupestrian settlements, among humanity's earliest man-made structures, face significant conservation challenges due to natural and human-induced factors. A study highlights the effectiveness of field conservation works that integrate traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, primarily using local techniques, in mitigating rock fall hazards at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bamiyan (Afghanistan), Lalibela (Ethiopia), Petra (Jordan), and Vardzia (Georgia). These sites, often carved into soft rocks with low unconfined compressive strength (UCS<25 MPa), are vulnerable to erosion, climate change, and human activities. The approach emphasizes enhancing rock slope stability while preserving cultural heritage through sustainable methods.

Margottini, C., Gigli, G., Ruther, H., & Spizzichino, D. (2016). Advances in Sustainable Conservation Practices in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 16, 52–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.10.006