UNESCO World Heritage „Prehistoric pile-dwellings around the Alps“: Chances and Challenges for Management and Research of Cultural Heritage Under Water

The UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Prehistoric pile-dwellings around the Alps' presents a unique opportunity for long-term cultural heritage preservation, particularly for organic materials like wood and plant fibers that survive exceptionally well in waterlogged environments. These sites offer high scientific potential due to their precise dating capabilities through dendrochronology, enabling researchers to study artifacts spanning hundreds or thousands of years. However, managing public access and maintaining public interest pose significant challenges. The site, recognized in 2011 after an initiative by Switzerland, involves six Alpine countries collaborating to protect this 'invisible' yet invaluable heritage.

Hafner, Albert. (2024). UNESCO World Heritage „Prehistoric pile-dwellings around the Alps“: Chances and Challenges for Management and Research of Cultural Heritage Under Water. University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/BORIS.58972