Challenges in recording disaster damage and loss data for cultural heritage

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2016

Authors

Xavier Romão (Author) FEUP; Esmeralda Paupério (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: ICUR2016 - International Conference on Urban Risks

Pages: 1-8

ICUR2016 - International Conference on Urban Risks = Conferência Internacional de Riscos Urbanos

Lisboa, 30 de junho a 2 de julho de 2016

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

Other information

Abstract (EN): The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) upholds the development and implementation of measures to reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disasters. Among other aspects, the SFDRR recognizes the importance of cultural heritage and its irreplaceable value for society, thus emphasising the need to assess the impact that potential hazards may have on the built cultural heritage. Developing adequate risk assessment and management processes are fundamental towards this end and it is known that systematically collected and robust disaster damage and loss data are essential for such processes. Thus, the development of systems, models and methodologies to collect and handle such data are seen to be a current worldwide priority. In this context, the proposed paper presents a database framework for the worldwide collection of immovable cultural heritage disaster loss data currently being developed by ICOMOS/ICORP with the support of other organisations, namely the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Portugal. The concepts and technical aspects related to the data being collected and its structured organisation are discussed, as well as the type and format of the indicators being recorded. Furthermore, challenges and obstacles regarding the possibility of collecting cultural heritage disaster loss data are discussed as well as its benefits for the development of more rational disaster risk management approaches for cultural heritage. Among other features of the database framework, a possible indicator to estimate economic losses representing the loss in value of cultural heritage properties due to damage caused by hazardous events is also discussed. This indicator estimates the loss in value of cultural heritage properties as a function of the (physical) damage they suffered and of the positive estimated economic impact that cultural heritage has in a given country. Details of this estimator are provided along with its potential applications within the SFDRR.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8