Bringing the Community Back: A Case Study of the Post-Earthquake Heritage Restoration in Kathmandu Valley

Post-earthquake heritage restoration in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, reveals that integrating traditional community practices with modern heritage management can foster inclusive and sustainable conservation. The study highlights how reinterpreted local traditions, rooted in the commons-based approach, offer a resilient framework for protecting vulnerable monuments while addressing the challenges of national heritage systems. By analyzing post-disaster case studies and reviewing existing literature, researchers demonstrate that such collaborative models enhance cultural identity, support tourism, and ensure long-term preservation. This emerging management system bridges gaps between top-down policies and grassroots participation, providing a scalable solution for UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing similar vulnerabilities.

Lekakis, S., Shakya, S., & Kostakis, V. (2018). Bringing the Community Back: A Case Study of the Post-Earthquake Heritage Restoration in Kathmandu Valley. Sustainability, 10(8), 2798. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082798