Heritage and Climate
Heritage is what is built in the past by the ancestors and left behind for us to remember. Let us recognise and celebrate what we have inherited. Cultural Heritage and diversity are prized ornaments of humanity. Heritage is the reflection of the identity of people and societies. It is a priceless possession of humanity and what the societies have inherited and its responsibility to preserve them. World Heritage Day is celebrated on 18 April every year to enhance awareness and ensure that steps are taken to protect and conserve them. When one talks about Heritage, it goes beyond the monuments. When we celebrate world Heritage Day, it is equally important to recall the great artisans who made this country proud. It is equally important to recognise the efforts of several people, architects, engineers, geographers, artists, and archaeologists, who contribute to conserving the Heritage. More importantly, the local communities’ role is paramount in preserving them and ensuring continuity. It has been recognised that we should traverse back in time and remember the extraordinary ability our ancestors possessed. With the passage of time and in a hurry to modernise, the world is losing out on many of these priceless wonders. Climate change is one of the most challenging issues of our time, with potentially damaging consequences for both people and Heritage. This year’s observation focuses on Heritage and climate. The monuments are reminders to us that our ancestors did it centuries ago, and we should be able to do it now.
Heritage is the reflection of the identity of people and societies. It is a priceless possession of humanity and what the societies have inherited and its responsibility to preserve them. World Heritage Day is celebrated on 18 April every year to enhance awareness and ensure that steps are taken to protect and conserve them. What started as a movement to preserve the heritage monuments by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has become World Heritage Day. The day has also been called “The International Day for Monuments and Sites.” Cultural Heritage and diversity are prized possessions of humanity. It focuses on raising awareness about cultural diversity and the vulnerability of Cultural Heritage in the context of conservation activities.
UNESCO believes that the sites classified as World Heritage hold cultural and physical significance. It is a “natural or man-made area or a structure of international importance, and space that requires special protection.” UNESCO lists more than 1100 World Heritage Sites and monuments in 167 countries. The highest number of heritage sites (54) is in Italy, followed by China (53). India has a total of 3691 monuments and sites. Among those, 40 are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These remind us of the ingenuity and extraordinary ability of the people who lived in the past. There are architectural wonders-built centuries ago, be it Brihadeeswara Temple in the South Indian town of Thanjavur, Rock-cut cave monuments of Ajanta, Taj Mahal, Hampi, Sun Temple, Sanchi. The list goes on.
When one talks about Heritage, it goes beyond the monuments. Several countries are blessed with indigenous arts and handicrafts. Especially a country like India is gifted with talented artisans. When we celebrate world Heritage Day, it is equally important to recall the great artisans who made this country proud. It is equally important to recognise the efforts of several people, architects, engineers, geographers, artists, and archaeologists, who contribute to conserving the Heritage. More importantly, the local communities’ role is paramount in preserving them and ensuring continuity.
In the journey of humankind, human beings have always looked to progress and make this world a better place. While it is debatable whether all the paths pursued to achieve success are progressive. We should traverse back in time and remember our ancestors’ extraordinary abilities. With the passage of time and in a hurry to modernise, the world is losing out on many of these priceless wonders. Heritage is what is built in the past by the ancestors and left behind for us to remember. Let us recognise and celebrate what we have inherited.
Climate change is one of the most challenging issues the world faces, with potentially damaging consequences for both people and Heritage. It is both an immediate challenge and a long-term one. This year’s observation focuses on Heritage and climate.
The monuments are reminders to us that our ancestors did it centuries ago, and we should be able to do it now.
Toons: Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
ToonLogs posted earlier on this topic can be accessed at: Our heritage is our pride – SciComm @ NIAS (niascomm.in)
