Assessment of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites Vulnerability through Multicriteria Analysis

A multicriteria analysis reveals that while Romania's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania, are highly exposed to natural and human-induced hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods, their vulnerability varies significantly. Some sites exhibit lower vulnerability despite susceptibility, highlighting the importance of intrinsic factors such as structure age, height, construction materials, and infrastructure effectiveness in mitigating risks. The study integrates geophysical data and GIS mapping to assess multi-hazard susceptibility across nine heritage categories, providing actionable insights for site managers and authorities to enhance monitoring, maintenance, and budget allocation for protection efforts.

Popovici, D., Andra-Toparceanu, A., Chitea, F., Armaș, I., Ovreiu, A. B., Malvica, S., & Carboni, D. (2025). Assessment of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites Vulnerability through Multicriteria Analysis. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-19597