Tangible and intangible loss and damage related to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritius

Abstract

The ‘cultural heritage–climate’ nexus is relatively less studied compared to climate related loss and damage that accrues to economic activities, human lives and physical infrastructure. This article investigates the impacts of climate change on the Outstanding Universal Value of two coastal UNESCO World Heritage sites on the small island state of Mauritius: Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Heritage. Tangible and intangible loss and damage are assessed by quantitatively modelling the sites’ vulnerability arising from a confluence of multiple climate hazards, including inland flooding, storm surge and sea level rise. In addition, the impacts of climate change are reported based on observations of extreme events. A number of response strategies are proposed. Present and future detrimental climate impacts on the intangible value of the two sites are discussed in light of enhanced preparedness to better manage and protect the sites’ inscription as UNESCO World Heritage. Finally, by interrogating the ‘cultural heritage–climate’ nexus from the broader perspective of national climate governance, policy-induced resilience building is discussed.