A Critical Assessment of the Current State and Governance of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia's UNESCO-listed port, fortresses, and monuments face significant threats to their heritage status due to governance gaps and material degradation. A five-year interdisciplinary study reveals that fragmented decision-making authority between local and national bodies hampers conservation efforts, while urban encroachment, vehicular traffic, and environmental factors accelerate deterioration. Hyperspectral imaging identified asbestos-cement roofs and vegetation issues, offering a data-driven perspective on tangible heritage decline. The research proposes a unified governance model to address these challenges and prevent the site's potential 'in Danger' classification by UNESCO, emphasizing systemic solutions over isolated fixes.

Saba, M., Chanchí Golondrino, G. E., & Torres-Gil, L. K. (2023). A Critical Assessment of the Current State and Governance of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Heritage, 6(7), 5442–5468. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6070287