Heritage protection
- Heritage protection
Heritage protection
National duty and humanitarian responsibility
Cultural heritage represents people’s identity and historical memory. It is not just landmarks or buildings, but living testimonies that tell the stories of civilizations and tell the tales of generations. In Saudi Arabia, national heritage is an integral part of Vision 2030, where the leadership attaches great importance to preserving heritage sites, not only as national assets, but as a global human heritage.
The AlUla Symposium focuses on one of the most serious challenges facing cultural heritage: Fire hazards. This symposium is a call for collective action to develop effective strategies to protect historic sites from this catastrophe.
Why is heritage protection necessary?
1. Historical and cultural value
Heritage sites are a vibrant record of a nation’s history and a mirror that reflects the creativity of ancestors. Protecting them means preserving our identity and history.
2. Economic value
Cultural heritage is a mainstay of the tourism industry, which contributes to boosting the national economy and creating jobs.
3. Authenticity for future generations
Preserving heritage today means that future generations will be able to understand and learn from their history, fostering belonging and cultural awareness.
Challenges Threatening the Survival of Heritage
Fires
Fires are one of the most serious disasters that can completely destroy or severely damage heritage sites. Most fires are caused by internal causes such as electrical malfunctions, or human negligence such as smoking or using fire in non-designated areas.
Climate change
Rising temperatures and increasing drought increase the likelihood of fires in heritage areas. Stronger storms also affect the structural integrity of sites and make them more vulnerable to damage.
Old systems
Heritage sites often rely on outdated infrastructure, especially in electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires.
Lack of awareness and funding
Lack of awareness of the importance of heritage protection leads to neglect, while limited resources hinder the implementation of modern protection systems.
How do we protect heritage? Practical strategies
1. Preventive planning:
- Registering heritage sites: Create an accurate database of heritage sites to determine their current status and develop plans to protect them.
- Periodic assessment: Conduct periodic inspections of historic buildings to detect any weaknesses that need to be repaired.
2. Fire prevention:
- Install early warning systems to detect fires as soon as they start.
- Modernize old electrical wiring to ensure safety.
- Equip heritage buildings with modern firefighting devices that suit their nature without causing additional damage.
3. Dealing with natural hazards:
- Protect buildings from rain and floods by creating channels to drain water away from them.
- Strengthening foundations and walls and repairing cracks to enhance their resistance to natural disasters.
3. Community outreach:
- Raising awareness among local residents and workers at heritage sites about the importance of preserving these sites and fire prevention methods.
- Engaging the local community in heritage protection efforts through training and awareness programs.
Technology and innovation:
- Use advanced systems such as thermal sensors and non-destructive gas extinguishing systems.
- Applying environmentally and heritage-friendly technical solutions to preserve the archaeological character of the sites.
AlUla Symposium Message
A call to protect heritage from fires
AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management in Historic and Heritage Sites It is a platform that brings together experts and specialists to discuss the challenges and practical solutions to protect heritage from fire. Through this symposium, successful examples and lessons learned from global experiences are reviewed, along with practical recommendations to ensure the safety of heritage sites.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to heritage protection
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to implementing Saudi Fire Code andHistoric Building Code issued by the National Committee for the Saudi Building Code to ensure the safety of heritage sites. These codes represent a roadmap for preserving cultural heritage by applying the latest technologies and adhering to preventive measures.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to heritage protection
"Protecting heritage is not just a national responsibility; it is a global message that emphasizes the importance of the past as an inspiration for the future. The symposium is a crucial step towards preserving this cultural heritage for future generations."
