Heritage Impact Assessment for World Heritage sites

A structured Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) framework was successfully integrated into the management of World Heritage Sites (WHS), particularly for cultural properties, to mitigate potential negative consequences from development projects. Initially prompted by concerns over modernization and tourism-induced changes—such as those observed in Luang Prabang after its WHS inscription—the HIA framework aimed to assess threats like infrastructure projects or high-rise buildings that could compromise Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The study traces the evolution of this framework, from UNESCO's 2010 calls for structured assessments to ICOMOS's 2011 Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments, which standardized practices. This approach built upon existing models like Environmental Impact Assessments but introduced a unified methodology for cultural WHS, ensuring proactive protection against development pressures.

Patiwael, P. Heritage Impact Assessment for World Heritage sites. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.233855572