Creating a risk management plan for the local UNESCO world heritage sites managed by Heritage Malta : an evaluation of the current practices and the possible way forward

Abstract

This dissertation will focus on two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are managed by Heritage Malta - the National agency responsible for museums, cultural heritage and conservation practices, in relation to the perceived risks, faced by these sites. Both sites (i.e. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Malta Megalithic Temples) attract a number of visitors to the Maltese Islands who contribute to the local economy. The study will have a look into the current situation and related risks which pose serious challenges to these sites. It will also propose ways and means as to how these risks could be managed. A contingency plan will also be included after listing a series of possible risk exposures. The contingency plan will address the risks that register the highest score notwithstanding the risks having been identified and mitigating counter action taken. The study shows that the situation prevailing at the two sites is not desirable. There are a number of risks with a very high risk score. It implies that both listed sites, in the short term and even in the medium term, are at serious risk levels. The agency needs to focus more on the risk exposure of these sites. In compliance with best practice in heritage and risk management the agency has to prioritise management goals and focus on re-training personnel. Unless the risks identified are addressed there is the possibility that these sites might lose their UNESCO World Heritage status through mismanagement. The mission of the agency should be to prevent risks and conserve the status quo, if only for conservation purposes apart from the economic considerations.