Rapid Assessment for Resilient Recovery and ... - GFDRR

Recovery and Reconstruction Requirements
Assigning a monetary value to certain aspects of Thai cultural heritage is not straightforward,
but the inclusion of the cultural heritage sector in the Rapid Assessment process can
contribute to the improvement of the foundations upon which the recovery efforts will take
place, making them more sustainable and more effective.
In the provinces in which water had receded, recovery and reconstruction had already
begun at the time of writing. The population is making an effort to clean up and repair the
damage and the cultural heritage sector is expected to be a part of this drive.
Nevertheless, it is important that the reconstruction effort follows some rules and guidelines
to ensure its effectiveness. Recommendations for reconstruction are divided into shor t-,
medium-, and long-term efforts.
Recommendations for Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction
Strategy for Short-term Recovery (up to 6 months)
All subsectors
The need for information and promotion campaigns to promote the return of tourists
should also be undertaken in the coming weeks and months. Done in conjunction with
tourism, these national and international campaigns will contribute to speed the recovery,
and benefit sites that did not sustain damage but saw a decline in visitors.
Tangible Heritage (Historical Sites and Structures, Repository of Heritage, Natural
Heritage)
Providing temporary rescue measures for all heritage assets that are at risk of further
damage is the most urgent need estimated by the mission. These include temporary shoring,
relocation of moveable assets to safer areas, and even micro-filming. This will prevent
further damage to the assets and ensure their preservation.
Reactivate interrupted services and ensure access to cultural institutions, libraries,
archives, museums, as well as to cultural and natural sites, ensuring the proper temporary
rescue measures are in place.
Tourist management should also be a priority, especially since some sites are more
vulnerable as a result of the floods. Limiting access to some zones, prohibiting people from
climbing onto structures, and providing appropriate signage and surveillance will prevent
further aggravation of damage. As part of an integrated approach of a long-term heritage
preservation strategy, it will contribute to the proper protection of heritage assets.
Carry out an in-depth assessment to each of the affected sites to determine the details
of damage and required solutions for restoration work, including structural, architectural,
landscaping, utility systems and overall site integrity. Use this as the basis of an overall
comprehensive restoration plan, prioritizing the most visited and the most fragile assets
and sites would limit losses.
THAI FLOOD 2011 RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR RESILIENT RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION PLANNING
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