In the wake of the devastating 2022 monsoon floods, which caused significant damage to Pakistan’s cultural heritage sites, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology, Government of Sindh, organized a five-day workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for Safeguarding Cultural Heritage. Held from November 18–22, 2024, at the historic Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro, the workshop brought together 25 participants from diverse fields, including architecture, engineering, art history, and cultural heritage management, to exchange knowledge and develop strategies for protecting Pakistan’s invaluable heritage from future disasters.
The monsoon floods of 2022 wreaked havoc on several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sindh, including the Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro and the Historic Monuments at Makli, resulting in severe structural damage worth an estimated USD 6 million. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, UNESCO mobilized USD 150,000 from the World Heritage Fund to assess the damage and initiate protective measures at these sites. The workshop aimed to build long-term capacity to reduce future disaster risks, focusing on both preventive and recovery strategies.
Participants, including professionals from provincial authorities, academic institutions, and cultural heritage organizations, were trained in key areas such as climate change impacts, digital transformation in heritage conservation, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the role of gender in heritage preservation. Practical exercises, field visits, and expert-led discussions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk assessment, emergency response, and the recovery process.
Highlighting the workshop’s significance, participants like Adiya Hasan, a young architect, expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained in their professional and personal practices. “We learned how to prioritize actions to protect cultural heritage during disasters and work with available resources. I will go back as an improved architect and implement these strategies in my work,” said Hasan.
By the end of the workshop, participants pledged to disseminate the DRR methodologies within their organizations, ensuring a broader impact on cultural heritage preservation. The collaborative efforts of UNESCO and the Government of Sindh are seen as a crucial step in safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural legacy for future generations.
As UNESCO’s Dr. Cristina Menegazzi noted, the workshop marked an essential first step in building resilience for Pakistan’s cultural heritage, with ongoing professional coordination needed to effectively address future disaster risks.
