CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES IN THE FACE OF EXTREME EVENTS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM GILGIT BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN.

Abstract

Natural hazards and climate change pose a serious threat to Cultural Heritage Sites (CHS), which may cause significant damage to these sites. It is important to assess the physical vulnerability of CHS for implementing effective Disaster Risk Reduction strategies. This research evaluates the physical vulnerability of CHS against extreme events using the index-based method. Three major districts of Gilgit Baltistan, which are exposed to various kinds of natural hazards, were selected as a case study area, where 12 sites were purposively chosen. Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) was employed to collect the datasets. The method is a simple, quick, and cost-effective procedure that does not require structural computations. A physical vulnerability index is proposed using the eleven indicators selected after a thorough literature review. The survey revealed that five cultural heritage sites are highly vulnerable and need immediate attention. Therefore, it is recommended that rehabilitation of the CHS, in critically vulnerable conditions, may be carried out on an immediate basis. Furthermore, corrective interventions may be carried out in these CHS to decrease the vulnerability. These may be done by the government, or the site may be handed over to the NGOs related to Cultural Heritage Sites, like in the case of Shigar Fort, Old House, and Khaplu Fort. It is also recommended that a massive and aggressive campaign be initiated to communicate with the locals about the natural hazards, the importance of CHS, and techniques of protection of CHS. Disasters do not exempt businesses from destruction, damage, and disruption, which can impact their capacity to continue operating. SMEs are particularly sensitive to the negative consequences of disasters. Moreover, due to the location, kind of catastrophe, structural type, and financial sustainability, disasters substantially influence SMEs. SMEs, particularly those in developing countries, are more likely to be located in V hazardous areas, have risky business resources, lack the financial and human resources, and the required fear and understanding of their vulnerability. Disasters have a significant impact on SMEs all around the world. SMEs represent 90% of all private businesses in Pakistan and employ roughly 78% of the non-agricultural work population. The contribution of SMEs to Pakistan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is greater than 30%. But these SMEs are vulnerable to natural catastrophes due to limited workforce, geographical location, and limited access to the market. This study explores the preparedness level of SMEs in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, in case of extreme events. The survey was conducted in three major districts of Gilgit Baltistan; Ghance, Shigar, and Skardu. A total of 150 businesses were included in this study through a structured interview. The data collected was then analyzed using frequency tables, descriptive tables, and cross tables. The average value of Disaster Preparedness (DP) suggests the preparedness level of business. The study concludes that only 16% of the businesses were prepared for extreme events.