Cultural heritage refers to the tangible and intangible aspects of a culture, traditions, customs, practices and artifacts that are passed down from one generation to the next within a community or society to ensure the continuation of our collective identity and cultural diversity. This paper explores conventional and scientific strategies of cultural heritage sustainability.

Cultural Mapping

It is a process of identifying, documenting and preserving cultural heritage assets such as traditions, practices and artifacts. Through cultural mapping, communities can conduct surveys and interviews, that is, gathering information about cultural heritage assets and their significance.

Document cultural practices and traditions by recording cultural practices, traditions and artifacts through various media such as video, audio or photograph.

Create cultural maps that highlight cultural heritage assets and their locations.

Create digital platforms to showcase and promote cultural heritage.

Use maps to educate communities and stakeholders about cultural heritage significance.

Community participation: Engage local communities in mapping and preserving their cultural heritage.

Use map to plan and manage cultural heritage sites, ensuring sustainable development.

Allocate resources effectively based on mapping cultural heritage assets.

Tracking changes: Monitor changes to cultural heritage sites overtime using maps and remote sensing.

Creating heritage maps, i.e., visualise the distribution and significance of cultural heritage sites.

Mapping cultural heritage assets: Develop preservation strategies ensuring that cultural heritage is protected and preserved.

Assessing impact: Evaluate the impact of conservation efforts and development projects on cultural heritage sites.

Policy and Legislation

Develop protective policies: Establish laws and regulations to safeguard cultural heritage.

Enforce policies: Ensure compliance with cultural heritage protection laws.

Collaborate with government: Work with government to develop and implement cultural heritage policies.

Education and Awareness

Develop educational programs: Create programs to teach cultural heritage and its significance.

Raise awareness: Promote cultural heritage through media, events and exhibitions.

Encourage intergenerational transfer: Support knowledge transfer between generations.

International Cooperation

Collaborate with international organisations: Work with organisations like UNESCO to preserve cultural heritage.

Share best practices: Exchange knowledge and expertise with other countries.

Participate in international events: Engage in global events to promote cultural heritage.

Technology and Innovation

Use digital tools: Utilise digital technologies to document, preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Develop virtual exhibition: Create online exhibitions to showcase cultural heritage.

Leverage social media: Use social media to promote cultural heritage and engage audience.

Conservation and Management

Develop conservation plans for cultural heritage sites and artifacts.

Use sustainable conservation practices that respect the cultural and environmental context.

Monitor and maintain cultural heritage sites and artifacts to prevent deterioration.

Community Engagement and Participation

Involve local communities: Engage communities in cultural heritage preservation.

Empower community members: Provide training and resources for community-led preservation.

Foster community pride: Encourage community members to take ownership of their cultural heritage.

*Augusta Obilo (Nee Uzu) is Principal Heritage Officer, National Museum Benin City.