Managing the Unseen: Cumulative Human Risks and Heritage Governance in Ghadames, Libya

Ghadames, Libya faces significant long-term threats to its cultural heritage due to systemic neglect and fragmented governance. Research reveals that cumulative human risks—such as weak conservation policies, centralized management, and reactive measures like temporary restorations—gradually erode the city's tangible heritage, including Roman ruins, an Ottoman fortress, and traditional mud villages. Unlike direct damage, these threats stem from indirect factors, leading to irreversible harm if unaddressed. The study proposes a sustainable model for heritage protection in Libya, emphasizing community-based governance, long-term policy reform, and participatory risk management. By analyzing official documents and interviews with local stakeholders, the research highlights the need to treat human risks as ongoing processes rather than isolated events to ensure the preservation of Libyan cultural landscapes for future generations.

Seila, F., Selim, G., & Newisar, M. (2026). Managing the Unseen: Cumulative Human Risks and Heritage Governance in Ghadames, Libya. Heritage, 9(4), 139. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040139