Thursday, IIC Pan-Africa Virtual Live Hub

By Ahmed Shayo and Nat Ulloa

In the Pan-Africa Virtual Hub, co-chairs Freda Nkirote M’Mbogori (Kenya), Ogechukwu Okpalanozie FIIC (Nigeria), and Oscar Umwamzisiwemuremyi (Rwanda) led the charge in redefining cultural heritage conservation within the context of contemporary challenges. Their discussion encourages a collaborative approach that integrates innovative practices and community engagement, ensuring that the preservation of cultural heritage resonates with the values and identities of the communities it serves.

Dâmia Do Carmo discussed the integration of forensic and heritage science exemplifiing the necessity of combining technical expertise from multiple disciplines to fully appreciate the material and cultural context of heritage objects. Techniques such as Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and micro-sampling are being employed to preserve artworks more effectively but also to contribute to uncover historical narratives hidden within the materials.

Muriel Veerbeck presented the “We have gaps” initiative aimed at empowering Congolese people in heritage conservation and emphasised a shift towards making the heritage preservation process more inclusive, recognizing the cultural and social significance these objects have for the communities they originate from. Engaging local stakeholders fosters a deeper connection to cultural heritage, ensuring that preservation efforts resonate with the values and identity of the community. By involving those who hold cultural narratives, we create a richer and more representative understanding of heritage.

Co-creation emerges as a powerful model in conservation, transforming heritage preservation into a collective endeavour. By openly discussing gaps in knowledge, conservators invite communities to share their expertise, making them active participants rather than passive recipients in the preservation process. This empowerment fosters social bonding and reinforces cultural rights in action, demonstrating that cultural rights can lead to meaningful engagement through hands-on activities that affirm communities' connections to their heritage.

Technological integration plays a crucial role in enhancing community engagement as well. The use of tools such as hologram boxes has facilitated deeper discussions about artefacts, showcasing the potential of digital tools in cultural heritage conservation. Initially met with curiosity, these technologies can serve as bridges to explore cultural narratives, thereby enriching the preservation process and making it more interactive.

Piero Baglioni and David Chelazzi presented the GREENART project which embodies the shift towards eco-friendly conservation practices. By developing new materials and methodologies based on sustainable principles, the project emphasises the importance of using renewable and recycled materials in cleaning, consolidation, and protection processes. The outcomes have already yielded promising results, including biodegradable cleaning fluids and innovative packaging solutions, which can significantly reduce the environmental impact of conservation practices. 

The Apache project showcases innovative solutions that integrate scientific advancements into heritage conservation. By using natural materials like castor oil combined with magnesium oxide nanoparticles, researchers have developed sustainable methods to protect artworks from pollutants. This approach preserves the integrity of cultural artefacts and serves as a model for incorporating science into conservation. These technologies highlight the potential for low-cost, eco-friendly solutions that can be widely implemented across museums and conservation centres.

Dr. Paul Lankester’s work at English Heritage brings another vital dimension to the conversation on cultural heritage conservation amidst climate change. His research highlights the necessity of site-specific climate change risk assessments to prioritise resources effectively. With over 420 historic sites and millions of visitors, understanding the unique climate risks facing each location is paramount. By following a methodology set forth by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Climate Change Risk Assessment provides a framework for evaluating hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and response measures for cultural sites.

The case studies from English Heritage illustrate how localised assessments can inform broader strategies. For instance, the challenges faced by Hurst Castle, with its need for sea defences against rising sea levels, reflect a microcosm of the larger threats posed by climate change to cultural heritage. By analysing individual sites like Walmer Castle and Brodsworth Hall, conservators can implement tailored adaptations, ensuring the longevity of these treasures. The circular approach of integrating site-based assessments into a national framework facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved, enabling more resilient conservation strategies.

In the Q&A session, discussions around environmental sustainability in cultural heritage conservation resonate with the need for a broader dialogue about responsibility and ethics in our practices and within the communities. Engaging diverse voices in the conversation about heritage conservation strengthens our collective response to the challenges posed by climate change and the integration of local perspectives and traditional expertise into global discussions can lead to innovative solutions that respect and honour the unique heritage of each community.

Blog Author

Nat Ulloa is a conservator of photographs, working in Lima, Peru.