Natural disasters and risks in World Heritage monuments of Greece: Lessons learnt

Risks from natural disasters always have been a major concern because they can cause extensive damage to World Natural and Cultural Heritage. This is particularly so today because many natural disasters are brought about, or increased, by climate change throughout the world. Reducing and managing the risk of man-made and natural disasters are major challenges that the world community is facing.

Disasters are the consequences of uncontrolled human activity and poor environmental management, bringing damage to World Heritage monuments which are inevitably exposed to these dangers. This paper identifies principles and strategies adopted by international organizations such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, IUCN, ICOM and others, for the management of risk reduction in World Heritage sites in Greece. The principles and strategies must be applied to every site or monument while training should be provided for the personnel in charge.