Our Heritage Is Already Broken: Meditations on a Regenerative Conservation for Cultural and Natural Heritage

The Bamiyan Buddhas, colossal 6th–7th century CE statues carved into Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley cliff faces, were destroyed by the Taliban regime in 2001 using mortar fire and dynamite. This act of cultural heritage destruction, which occurred just months before the September 11 attacks, sparked international outrage. In response, UNESCO designated the Bamiyan Valley as a World Heritage Site and added it to the 'World Heritage in Danger' list in 2003, recognizing its Outstanding Universal Value. The study reflects on this tragedy through a regenerative conservation lens, emphasizing the acceptance of imperfection and flaw as inherent to heritage preservation, drawing from philosophical meditations on waste and garbage. It underscores the urgent need for global recognition and protection of such invaluable historical treasures.

Kimball, M. (2016). Our Heritage Is Already Broken: Meditations on a Regenerative Conservation for Cultural and Natural Heritage. Human Ecology Review, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.22459/her.22.02.2016.03