The Cultural Master Plan of Bamiyan: The Sustainability Dilemma of Protection and Progress

A sustainable development approach is critical to balancing cultural preservation and rural progress in the Bamiyan Valley. The study highlights that rigid land-use restrictions and uncoordinated international aid have hindered effective implementation of the Cultural Master Plan, which aims to protect archaeological areas while allowing urban development. It proposes a monitoring steering group involving local stakeholders, national experts, and international advisors to align development strategies with the valley's rural character and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach seeks to reconcile conflicting priorities for rapid modernization with long-term cultural sustainability.

Jansen, M., & Toubekis, G. (2020). The Cultural Master Plan of Bamiyan: The Sustainability Dilemma of Protection and Progress. The Future of the Bamiyan Buddha Statues, 71–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51316-0_5