Special Issue on Water Management in World Heritage Sites at a Time of Climate Change– Call for Papers
In the face of climate change and direct water-related threats such as floods or droughts, water management needs to become an integral part of World Heritage management plans, and this requires more attention from the academic and professional worlds. This special issue aims to provide the thematic and methodological basis - including case studies - for policymakers. The special issue aims to develop a common policy recommendation. It could also become a contribution to the UNESCO Urban Heritage Atlas [https://whc.unesco.org/en/activities/1211/&msg=login_success] and form an example of the best practice activities [https://whc.unesco.org/en/activities/search_theme=23&canopy=1&action=list&&order=dmd].
Water is the ultimate link between the local and global dimensions of World Heritage sites and between their past, present and future. But World Heritage properties are also vulnerable to water, especially in relation to the impacts and damage of the changing climate conditions that we are increasingly facing. Cultural and natural sites are threatened by water shortages, droughts, floods or damage to foundations. Dealing with these new threats requires adaptations in water management and comprehensive strategies to develop these adaptations. An integrated approach to water management for the sustainable development of World Heritage sites is therefore essential and has two aspects. It must aim to ensure the preservation of the sites in the face of climate change, and it must understand the historical aspects of water management and, where possible, preserve or adapt them in a sustainable manner. This can have a positive impact beyond heritage, as these approaches can inspire informed strategies for sites facing water challenges.
Research and best practice examples should also address case studies that provide insight into the water management of World Heritage sites and their adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and/or educational measures to improve knowledge and awareness of water management in World Heritage sites. Furthermore, the guiding questions for contributions include, but are not limited to, the following: What can be learnt from historical sites with regard to sustainable water management? What does a comprehensive water management plan for a World Heritage site look like? What are the pressing issues related to water management in World Heritage sites, including social, legal and economic aspects? How can the integration of a water management plan be achieved at the nomination level?
To explore the insights of our special guest editor Tino Mager, we invite you to read his engaging lead-in article introducing this Blue Paper's Special Issue, where Tino shares his perspectives and sets the stage for the discussions ahead.
For the format of contributions please refer to the template and instructions for Blue Papers.
To submit your contribution please refer to this link.
Timeline :
* Launch: 1 September 2024
* Deadline for submissions: 1 December 2024
* Return from peer review: 15 January 2025
* Submission of revised texts: 1 March 2025
* Finalization of texts: 15 April 2025
* Publication date: 30 May 2025
If you have any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, please contact the editor-in-chief, Prof. Dr. Ing. Carola Hein (C.M.Hein@tudelft.nl) or the special issue guest editor: Tino Mager (tino.mager@rug.nl).
