Integrating traditional knowledge and cultural heritage with climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction: the role of training and tools

PurposeThis paper investigates potential solutions to the challenges governments and stakeholders face in applying climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions in ways that will save lives and use funds efficiently. The paper examines how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can improve resilience and assesses the potential impact of relevant tools and training. Successful examples of tools, and applications of traditional knowledge as an accelerator to enhanced resilience will be explored.Design/methodology/approachThe paper studies the importance of integrating cultural heritage with climate and disaster risk reduction plans and examines why this has not been happening to the extent it should. While probing the barriers to such integration, the paper also explores examples of best practice drawn from experience gathered in ICCROM projects. Possible mechanisms to overcome common barriers through training are suggested, and the role that training and relevant tools could play in enabling and accelerating such integration are studied.FindingsThe conclusions demonstrate that training is a critical factor in facilitating the knowledge enhancement needed to understand how to integrate disaster and climate risks.Originality/valueThe research was conducted as part of a training program which the authors helped organize. The analysis is the original work of the authors.