Post-trauma and the Recovery Governance of Cultural Heritage

This book combines legal perspectives with architectural and anthropological approaches to demonstrate research-based governance solutions for cultural heritage recovery from traumatic events. It highlights the importance of universal international standards and presents case studies from Japan and other countries to explore effective leadership and decision-making in times of recovery. The reconstruction process involves networks of small and large communities, and the book emphasizes the role of shared goals and knowledge exchange in sustaining resilience throughout the long recovery period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 281 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book is a groundbreaking work that successfully combines legal perspectives with architectural and anthropological approaches, highlighting the indispensable interdisciplinarity of viewpoints. Through its comprehensive observation and analysis, it presents the first research-based governance solutions for cultural heritage recovery in the aftermath of traumatic events. The opening statement emphasizes that universal international standards may not be sufficient for the unique situations faced by disaster-struck places.

A primary objective of this monograph is to facilitate a learning experience for its readers by presenting plural cases where the reconstruction of cultural heritage has played a central role in rebuilding post-disaster societies. The book introduces Japan as the most disaster-prone country, with a long history of confronting and overcoming the power of nature, resulting in innovative solutions for cultural heritage resilience and sustainability. However, it also raises questions about how leadership and decision-making can become efficient in times of recovery, considering potential gaps in Japanese practices.

To address this, the work presents comparable governance models from other countries, offering alternative solutions. It recognizes that the recovery process from a traumatic event can span decades, and disasters often have a tendency to recur. Therefore, a continuous, well-maintained governance response is essential, whether rooted in local knowledge or national policy frameworks. At the heart of this book lies the reconstruction process involving networks of small and large communities. Each of these communities has a role to play in sustaining resilience throughout the long recovery period and preventing the repetition of severe social trauma.

The book explores various aspects of cultural heritage recovery, including legal frameworks, community engagement, and sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a means of promoting social cohesion, identity, and resilience. It also highlights the challenges faced by communities in the recovery process, such as displacement, loss of livelihoods, and trauma.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, this book provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and communities seeking to rebuild and sustain cultural heritage in the face of disaster. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary knowledge in addressing complex societal challenges.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811960406
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023