Requirements for the Protection of the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Afghanistan)

Abstract

The international efforts to establish a management system for the UNESCO World Heritage Bamiyan in Afghanistan, where fundamentalist terrorists once destroyed the world’s largest Buddhist figures, are discussed. A Cultural Master Plan based on remote sensing methods is being used to create a comprehensive inventory of archaeological zones, traditional settlements, water systems, and historical cultural monuments, and to monitor the effectiveness of conservation measures and urban development decisions on landscape change. The case of Bamiyan exemplifies the increasing politicization of outstanding heritage sites around the world that are subject to ongoing conflict, targeted iconoclastic raids, and criminal looting, among dynamic urban development and limited resources for conservation, destroying such sites and landscapes. Lessons learned highlight the importance of careful planning and management of development activities as an integral part of heritage conservation in international relief efforts in crisis areas, especially for World Heritage cultural landscapes. In the context of reconstruction efforts, the management of cultural heritage needs to consider a broader context that considers the identity of the people, the participation, and the revitalization of the affected communities in addition to the long-term preservation of the physical substance. Such an expanded notion of heritage recognizes local communities’ aspirations for inclusive social and economic development considering Landscape Values as Human Values for reaching Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

1 Introduction

The Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley were nominated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2003 according to the 1972 World Heritage Convention (UNESCO 1972) and inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, comprising a serial nomination of a total of eight separate areas¹ (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

(Source UNESCO)

Topographical map of the Bamiyan World Heritage nomination—eight distinct property areas (red line) each with a buffer zone (blue line)

Since 2004, UNESCO has been active in preserving this World Heritage Site through an internationally funded safeguarding campaign (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2012) addressing urgent conservation needs. Achievements included the stabilization of the fragile cliffs and niches after the removal of the Buddha figures. The landscape management planning tools were developed at a time when the country had a limited number of legal instruments that could withstand the challenges of an ever-changing political environment. Despite the evolving circumstances, these tools have consistently proven their robustness over time and are now in need of revision to support the creation of a landscape management system necessary for the long-term preservation of the cultural landscape and its archaeological remains.

This introduction addresses the global challenges of heritage management and sets the context for heritage conservation in Afghanistan, specifically Bamiyan. The next section discusses the significance and protection of the Bamiyan World Heritage Site under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The third section describes the Cultural Master Plan for Bamiyan, detailing its objectives, methodology, and protective zoning proposal. The article concludes by drawing lessons from Bamiyan and offering a specific European perspective for future international assistance to Afghanistan's cultural heritage.

1.1 Global Challenges to Cultural Heritage Management

Cultural heritage preservation in the 21st century faces a multitude of challenges, causing detrimental impacts on heritage sites and calling for the implementation of adaptive measures integrated within overall development strategies.

Environmental factors, particularly global climate change, with its changing weather patterns, have led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, endangering the structural integrity of monuments and archaeological remains (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2014; Sabbioni et al. 2010).

Human factors, alongside environmental ones, such as vandalism and intentional destruction undermine the integrity and authenticity of heritage sites. Illegal excavations and the illicit trade of stolen antiquities exacerbate this issue, contributing to organized crime and illegal activities. The 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property addresses these challenges through international cooperation and awareness campaigns for stricter regulations. Encouraging more countries to ratify and implement the convention is crucial for enhancing the impact of these efforts in combating the illicit trade of cultural property.²

Combat impunity for heritage-related war crimes, acknowledges the legal connection between the protection of cultural heritage and the prosecution of human rights abuses, as highlighted by examples such as Bamiyan, Palmyra, and Timbuktu. Preserving and providing access to cultural heritage are inherent rights for individuals and communities, demanding appropriate legal frameworks. International conventions like the Hague and UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention aim to safeguard cultural heritage during conflicts, but enforcement remains a challenge (Francioni and Gordley 2013; Silverman and Ruggles 2007).

Adequate resource allocation for cultural heritage, to enhance regular maintenance, as aging and inadequate preservation are pressing concerns. Professional training, skills development, and capacity building are urgently needed to balance conservation, accessibility, and sustainable development needs. Limited resources pose a substantial impediment to achieving comprehensive efforts and attaining long-term results, as evidenced by numerous global examples (Bumbaru et al. 2000; Machat et al. 2020).

1.2 Balancing Heritage Management and Development in Bamiyan

Afghanistan, a diverse multi-ethnic, multireligious, and multicultural society, has experienced internal decade-long conflicts leading to global repercussions. The destruction of the Buddhas in 2001 despite a worldwide outcry (Manhart 2001) marked a turning point. After the fall of the previous Taliban regime, international support was promised, but the return of the Taliban in 2021 led to significant changes. Donors suspended projects due to concerns over the actions of the new Taliban powerholders, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed alarm over human rights violations (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) 2022). This raises questions about future humanitarian aid and cultural heritage preservation. Addressing this requires a flexible strategy within the socio-political landscape, safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural elements vital to Afghanistan's identity.

Reconstruction of destroyed Bamiyan Buddha figures. Reconstructing the Bamiyan Buddha figures has been a contentious issue for over two decades. Some suggest leaving the site as a war memorial, while others advocate reconstruction. This debate, along with lessons from other intentionally destroyed sites, has sparked international discussions. ICOMOS conducted studies on reconstructing World Heritage sites, emphasizing that it goes beyond physical restoration and can aid in trauma recovery, community revitalization, and heritage values appropriation. Recognizing it as a means of recovery, community involvement, and peacebuilding, these approaches aim to create a holistic framework that goes beyond physical restoration (ICOMOS 2017). 

In Bamiyan, the previous Afghan government and local population long supported reconstructing at least one figure as a symbolic act of resurrection to create a major monumental attraction that also fits into the planned tourism strategy for the valley. Critical for long-term preservation is the recognition that the Bamiyan World Heritage encompasses an extensive cultural landscape, extending beyond the confines of the area of the destroyed Buddha figures. The entire overview of the debate along with contributions from international experts on reconstruction options is given in Nagaoka (2020).

New uncertainties. The valley’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage has aided overall state-building efforts and influenced identity-building processes, particularly for a younger generation now deprived of civilizational achievements after the collapse of the democratically elected government in August 2021. The recent political shifts have raised concerns, including reports from social media of direct threats to the site, such as RPG rocket firings towards the empty Buddha niches, vandalism, uncontrolled excavations, and commercial activities near the old bazaar.³

There are also credible reports of defamatory threats against local individuals previously supporting the safeguarding of the site. Given the complexity of working with de facto power holders, it is critical to consider how future international assistance should be structured to effectively address the current challenges of preserving cultural heritage not only in the Bamiyan Valley but throughout Afghanistan.

2 Protecting the Cultural Landscape of Bamiyan

2.1 Significance and Value of the Bamiyan World Heritage Property

The Bamiyan Valley is a remarkable fusion of artistic and religious developments that shaped the Central Asian region from the 1st to the 13th century CE. Bamiyan is considered a crossroads between the civilizations of the East and the West and was a historical center of early cross-cultural exchange between China and India. The valley served as a prominent center of Buddhist art along the Silk Road. The cave complexes and their iconic Buddha figures were symbols of cultural exchange and religious tolerance. The giant Buddha figures of Bamiyan, with their heights of 55 and 33 m, were considered the world’s largest representation of standing Buddha figures.

The local population has not attached any religious significance to the figures for generations, as the Buddhist religion has not played any role in the region with the spread of Islam since the 11th century CE onwards. The figures were no longer considered Buddha depictions but have been reinterpreted and given new identities that have been integrated into the mythical story of the Islamization of Bamiyan (Klimburg-Salter 2020). The cultural landscape and archaeological remains represent a unique testimony not only of exceptional Buddhist art (6–9th centuries CE) but also of urban archaeological remains from the Islamic Ghaznavid and Ghurid periods (10–13th centuries CE).

Throughout history, Bamiyan has been the target of violent actions aimed at destroying iconic art and architecture. The cultural landscape of the Bamiyan Valley (about 2500 m above sea level) is surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Hindu Kush. It is characterized by a complex irrigation system based on a network of open earthen channels for the distribution of surface water. Outside the cultivated areas, steep mountains form a unique backdrop of a wild natural landscape. This arid land of gentle slopes consists of conglomerates and glacial sedimentary deposits that line the valleys engulfing steep cliffs. These barren lands with sparse vegetation are occasionally used for grazing or winter fuel. In stark contrast are the irrigated and intensively cultivated areas in the valley bottoms, where potatoes and robust cereals are grown. The visible archaeological remains complement this cultural landscape and have undergone few changes until recently (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

(Source G. Toubekis)

The Bamiyan Valley’s Cultural Landscape in 2015, with its major cliff and the empty niche in the distance once occupied by the Giant Buddha figure

2.2 Insights from the UNESCO Safeguarding Campaign

The 2003 World Heritage nomination was a technical amendment to the earlier 1982 one, which solely focused on the archaeological features of the sparsely populated Bamiyan Valley. Although the World Heritage value was recognized, a lack of management plans and updated reports delayed its nomination as World Heritage.⁴ In 2003, after the Buddhas’ destruction, Bamiyan was inscribed as a serial nomination with eight distinct areas as a cultural landscape,⁵ however lacking  documentation on its defined quality and precise extent. The UNESCO Safeguarding Campaign launched in 2003 aimed to support conservation and long-term preservation. ICOMOS Germany and RWTH Aachen University actively participated from its inception, extending efforts beyond the Buddhas’ remains to establish an effective management system in line with the Operational Guidelines⁶ of the World Heritage Convention. The goal was to remove the property from the endangered list within a decade, requiring tailored, site-specific approaches for long-term preservation and conservation.

Desired State of Conservation. The campaign focused on preserving Bamiyan's tangible cultural heritage through meticulous restoration and maintenance efforts, including safeguarding the remaining Buddha figure fragments, sculptured original surfaces, and cave paintings (Petzet 2009; Emmerling and Petzet 2016). The desired state of conservation adopted by the World Heritage Committee⁷ for removing the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger is defined as the following:

• 1. ensured site security,

• 2. ensured the long-term stability of the Giant Buddha niches,

• 3. adequate state of conservation of archaeological remains and mural paintings,

• 4. implemented Management Plan and Cultural Master Plan (protective zoning plan).

Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The cultural landscape is intricately connected to the harmonious blend of natural and human-made elements developed over centuries “as combined works of nature and of man”.⁸ This cultural imprint represents an interdependent system of cultural expression and human–environment interactions, carrying deep cultural and historical significance. It is crucial to consider conserving this cultural landscape amidst ongoing urban developments (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

(Source RWTHacdc)

Various attributes of the Cultural Landscape of the Bamiyan Valley—religious shrines, vernacular earthen architecture, patterns of fields, and irrigation channels

Change Management. The cultural landscape evolves through “consistent, systematic and orderly decisions” (Rapoport 1992) of many individuals over time, rather than deliberate design. In an increasingly urbanized environment, how can these internal dynamics be preserved without freezing their current appearance? This landscape is vital for shaping identities, fostering cohesion, and ensuring cultural continuity for specific groups over time. Authenticity and integrity remain key considerations in its ongoing preservation.

3 The Cultural Master Plan for Bamiyan—Objectives and Strategies

In 2004, RWTH Aachen University collaborated with the Afghan government to create a plan identifying cultural heritage zones for protection within the context of urban development dynamics, to fulfill UNESCO preservation obligations. These protection zones were envisioned as distinct and noteworthy elements of the cultural landscape, essential for sustainably guiding future planning actions to avoid negative impact on the World Heritage property. The resulting Bamiyan Cultural Master Plan (CMP) addresses development challenges while emphasizing cultural and environmental sensitivity. Its main objective is to provide a planning framework that guides future projects to respect the Valley's cultural significance, ensuring its preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Jansen and Toubekis 2020). This protective zoning scheme was adopted by the Ministry of Urban Development jointly with the Ministry of Culture in 2006 and became part of the efforts to remove the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (Jansen 2009).

3.1 Land Use Analysis and Inventory of the Cultural Landscape

The methodology involved national and international experts in assessing land uses, including agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure. Students at the local university were involved in studying the geomorphology of the valley. A thorough inventory of settlements, water systems, and cultural artifacts served as the foundation for the cultural master plan. The research resulted in a comprehensive plan identifying areas needing cultural protection, urbanized zones impacting the landscape, and potential areas for future urban development, considering the following three topics.

Authenticity. Through a combination of remote sensing analysis and extensive field surveys, key elements, and attributes of the cultural landscape, including historic areas, vernacular architecture, traditional settlements, and water canals, were documented. For the first time, this cultural inventory provided credible and sufficient information to meet the condition of authenticity required for World Heritage.⁹

Integrity. The property should also include a substantial portion of the elements that convey its full value to maintain relationships and functions within the cultural landscape that define its distinct character.¹⁰ Continuous maintenance and effective management of the property’s physical structure and notable attributes are essential while comprehending its full extent.

World Heritage Boundary. The analysis of the Cultural Master Plan has revealed the need to adjust the delineated areas of the World Heritage property beyond the initial nomination dossier. This boundary adjustment is crucial to ensure a sufficient portion of this significant cultural landscape is protected under the World Heritage Convention to consistently meet the long-term integrity criteria (Jansen and Toubekis 2007).

3.2 The Protective Zoning Scheme of the Cultural Master Plan (CMP)

An essential component of the master plan is the zoning concept, illustrated as a colored pyramid-shaped scheme (Fig. 4), designating specific zones (CMP Zones 1–4) with varying levels of protection requirements, and identifying areas for coordinated urban development (CMP Zone 5). Adapting the boundary contour lines from the original 2003 large scale nomination map was necessary to make boundary lines identifiable on the ground along real-world features like roads and landscape segments.

Fig. 4

(Source G. Toubekis/RWTHacdc)

The Bamiyan Cultural Master Plan—the protective zoning scheme

• CMP Zone 1—UNESCO World Heritage Protection Zone, with boundaries as defined in the initial application dossier for the nomination (red color).

• CMP Zone 2—Archaeological Heritage Protection Zone featuring significant archaeological assets both above and below ground surface¹¹ (pink color).

• CMP Zone 3—National Heritage Protection Zone, including traditional settlements, religious shrines, and vernacular architecture, constituting significant elements of the cultural landscape (orange color).

• CMP Zone 4—Landscape Protection Zone, covering the river’s high-flood plain, irrigation systems, traditional agriculture, and the natural environment, such as nearby mountainous pastures (green color).

• CMP Zone 5—Regulated Development Zone, addressing urban disturbances and development pressures while allowing for controlled urban development, subject to detailed planning (grey color).

Propagation of traditional building techniques. Managing a protected cultural landscape, unlike archaeological sites primarily characterized by visible monumental remains, necessitates active community involvement. This participation is crucial to prevent the loss of historic fabric due to modernization and to adapt land use practices to protect subsurface monuments not visible from above. Traditional building footprints regarding size, scale, and materials like adobe/wood offer a sustainable approach for settlement expansion. Restoring iconic structures, like shrines, preserves both traditional customs and historic relics. The CMP strongly promotes sustainable land use practices, preserving traditional irrigation systems and water management techniques (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5

(Source Pierre Smars, Daniel Lohmann / RWTHacdc)

Documentation of traditional building techniques and vernacular architecture elements in the Cultural Master Plan

Topographic Map. The maps provided with the nomination were outdated and insufficient for effective planning purposes. Given the challenging terrain and resource constraints for field missions, the use of remote sensing technologies has proven to be instrumental in obtaining accurate information about the built environment and topography, and in acquiring precise three-dimensional spatial information about the Bamiyan area. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was generated using high-resolution stereo satellite imagery and photogrammetric analysis, covering a 22 × 7.2 km area with an elevation range from 2353 to 3130 m. Differential GPS (DGPS) measurements improved accuracy to 0.5 m. This DEM, combined with data from the CMP, provided a precise depiction of the ground situation, including the documentation of extensive archaeological areas within the Cultural Landscape reaching beyond the initially marked World Heritage property boundaries. A Geographical Information System (GIS) was created to store all data and plan materials, assist in plan implementation, and inform future decisions (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

(Source G. Toubekis/RWTHacdc)

Topographical map of the Bamiyan Valley; areas in pink, larger than the initial buffer zones, indicate a high probability of underground archaeological remains

Monitoring Development. A pressing concern arises from the necessity to reconsider UNESCO buffer zones and their integration with local communities. This urgency is underscored by the unintended consequences of buffer zone delineations, originally established in sparsely inhabited areas, now intersecting with populated villages, and inadvertently delineating entire neighborhoods. This has given rise to misperceptions and discontent among the residents, necessitating a strategic re-evaluation of management practices. Satellite imagery is invaluable for monitoring the dynamics of urban growth, especially in the context of the rapid urbanization that ignored the proposals from the Cultural Master Plan and now threatens the property's Outstanding Universal Value (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7

(Source Quickbird/GeoEye Inc.)

Change detection—a comparison from 2004 to 2010 from different satellite images

Virtual Technologies for Reconstruction. The cultural master plan includes digital simulations of the destroyed Buddha figures using virtual reality technologies. This innovation democratizes the general debate on the potential reconstruction of the site and the Buddha figures by involving both experts and the public. These virtual models will serve as communication and planning tools, enabling collaborative envisioning of future consolidation measures and discussions about the future of the World Heritage Site as a whole. These digital representations integrate detailed structural findings from high-resolution surveys and spatial configurations around the vacant rock niches. Using virtual reality, the plan promotes informed decision-making and public participation in shaping the site’s destiny (Toubekis et al. 2021, 2020; Toubekis and Jansen 2013).

4 Lessons Learned—Balancing Tourism Development, Community Engagement, and Heritage Reconstruction

The Bamiyan case study highlights resilience during conflict in pursuit of sustainable development goals. The management of World Heritage sites requires cooperation between international, national, and local stakeholders. Adaptive risk assessment and disaster preparedness are essential, considering evolving environmental and social factors. World Heritage principles can enhance the environmental and social sustainability of cultural landscapes by integrating traditional land management and community participation. Future planning for the Bamiyan Valley should integrate envisioned cultural development projects, such as the archaeological park, into regional development, encompassing the new city and cultural landscape with its heritage elements. Bamiyan demonstrates the multiple values of cultural heritage in multicultural societies, going beyond preservation to support broader development goals, including identity, peace, reconciliation, and international cooperation, which resonate globally, especially with younger generations.

Empowering Communities in Cultural Heritage Preservation. The deliberate destruction of the world's largest Buddhist statues highlights the importance of careful planning and management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Preserving these sites extends beyond monument protection, encompassing the definition of associated values. Transparent negotiations and integrated restoration efforts can aid peace processes, especially in contexts of intergroup mistrust. Cultural heritage preservation becomes a tool for peace, highlighting the link between attacks on heritage, human rights, and overall security. Strengthening international legal instruments, like the Hague Convention and UNESCO Conventions, is crucial in combatting illicit cultural property trafficking. The Bamiyan cultural master plan emphasizes the importance of respecting the identity of affected communities during heritage site preservation, especially in post-crisis scenarios. Involving local communities and listening to their views and also their doubts is vital for achieving planning goals, especially ensuring the authenticity of reconstruction efforts. This can only be achieved through open and inclusive discussions on the planned interventions, allowing the generation still affected by the losses of conflict to actively engage and participate (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8

(Photo Hiromi Yasui)

Bamiyan Stakeholder meeting moderated by UNESCO Kabul office in April 2017 and Prof. Michael Jansen and his team from the Research Center Indian Ocean (RIO)

Exploring Tourism Opportunities. Preserving a cultural landscape requires regulating both road and air traffic. Therefore, the Bamiyan Cultural Master Plan suggests relocating the valley's airfield and redirecting major roads away from archaeological sites would create new development areas at a safe distance from cultural elements. Sustainable use of cultural heritage entails promoting national and international tourism for cultural exchange. Bamiyan has investigated multiple forms of tourism, including the Silk Road Music Festival, eco-friendly tourism at Band-e-Amir Lakes, and community-based winter tourism in the alpine highlands with international aid (Ashley and Dear 2011). Prioritizing generating revenue from domestic tourism can potentially boost the country's economy. The residents of Bamiyan have effectively utilized tourism to promote the diverse identities of their multiple communities and encourage the respectful preservation of Bamiyan’s cultural heritage, benefiting both local and global visitors. The goal is to reap economic, social, and cultural benefits from tourism while avoiding the detrimental commercialization of cultural values and assets (ICOMOS 2022).

Capacity Building for Sustainable Development and Progress. Capacity building is essential for the sustainable conservation of cultural landscapes. To make meaningful progress, we must invest in initiatives that equip local communities and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful landscape management. A full understanding of UNESCO's cultural landscape concept is crucial to the effective implementation of the mandate of the World Heritage Convention. The Bamiyan Cultural Master Plan has improved this understanding by involving government agencies and local stakeholders, and by making concepts accessible in different local languages. Public consultation on heritage issues improves governance, particularly where citizen-authority relations are not effective and inclusive. Prioritizing training and human resources bridges knowledge gaps across generations and cultures, facilitating knowledge sharing and inclusive decision-making. These investments support sustainable heritage conservation practices, including the preservation of underground archaeological remains.

5 Conclusion and Outlook

In the 21st century, cultural heritage management now extends beyond monuments to include the environment and people’s relationships with their surroundings, emphasizing capacity building, empowerment of local communities, and fostering ownership and resilience, while promoting sustainable tourism and sustainable development. Management of cultural heritage requires the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly in post-conflict situations where their participation is essential for reconstruction and achieving sustainability objectives. The Florence Conference provides inspiration and an opportunity to recall specific European contributions to the heritage debate that can guide efforts in the current context of Afghanistan.

Recognition in Peacebuilding and Democracy. Recognizing the role of cultural heritage in promoting tolerance, reconciliation, and intercultural dialogue is essential. However, it can also be manipulated during conflicts, becoming a target or a catalyst for fighting and misinforming. Recognizing this duality is crucial in developing strategies to protect cultural heritage in volatile contexts. Europe has recognized the significance of cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, making it a component of peace and security in the European Union’s external actions approach (Council of the European Union 2021; European External Action Service 2021). Drawing from Europe's profound experience and expertise in shaping cultural heritage and cultural landscapes for the 21st century is essential. The European Landscape Convention,¹² adopted in Florence (Italy) in 2000 under the Council of Europe, emphasizes landscape protection, management, and planning for societal well-being, involving more than physical features, and including transformative processes and conceptualization of landscape. The Faro Convention (Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society), established in 2005, highlights cultural heritage's role in human rights, democracy, and social cohesion. Both conventions promote inclusive and people-centered approaches to heritage preservation, aligning with sustainable development objectives (Council of Europe 2017, 2005).

ICOMOS expertise and practice. Ensuring professional heritage preservation expertise within EU policy and aid programs the EU Commission and ICOMOS have developed a Handbook on European Quality Principles to guide stakeholders, emphasizing shared responsibility for cultural heritage and outlining key concepts, international standards, and the benefits of quality assurance mechanisms throughout the project cycle (Selfslagh and Rourke 2020). It acknowledges participatory planning involving civil society as a powerful tool for sustainable development and peace. Commitment, collaboration, capacity building, and meaningful connections are essential for success, transcending differences, and promoting a harmonious future. The ICOMOS Florence Declaration Heritage and Landscape as Humans Values highlights the importance of cultural heritage and landscapes in promoting democratic societies. It urges collective efforts to preserve and promote these values for positive social change through meaningful dialogue among diverse cultures (ICOMOS 2014).

Action is paramount. The preservation of cultural heritage is interconnected, and conflicts within diverse societies can have global repercussions, exacerbated by climate change. A comprehensive, sustainable development approach that integrates cultural heritage into spatial planning is essential and consistent with international law and policy. Success depends on cooperation and inclusiveness, which means promoting heritage conservation, conflict prevention, and sustainability simultaneously. However, this requires commitment, building capacity, and making meaningful connections across initiatives and across differences. At its core, it promotes sustainable, people-centered conservation and enhances the role of cultural heritage as a driver of societal change through extensive education, training, and long-term interdisciplinary partnerships.