Rapid Assessment for Resilient Recovery and ... - GFDRR

activities. For those with partial losses, the slow return of tourists makes it extremely
difficult to return to normal business levels. The sector is particularly fragile; schemes
should be developed to encourage the recovery of this informal sector, which is important
to the heritage industry.
Strategy for Medium-term Recovery and Reconstruction (6–24 months)
Tangible Heritage (Historical Sites and Structures, Repository of Heritage, Natural
Heritage)
In the medium term, it is recommended for local government agencies and departments
to develop local disaster-resilience plans by revising their existing ones. The revisions
should take into account the location and vulnerability of cultural heritage assets, providing
a range of adaptation and mitigation measures. These measures should be based on the:
(i) vulnerability of the site and likelihood of a similar future event taking place; and (ii) its
relative importance in terms of cultural heritage. A prioritized list of cultural heritage assets
would be developed within 12 months with the help of experts (local and international).
An investment plan based on detailed engineering assessments of the damage incurred
would be developed, and the implementation of this plan should be made a priority.
Subsequently, in the medium term, the government should explore ways for the heritage
sector to put together credit enhancement measures (e.g. guarantee fund) that would
entice banks to lend at lower interest rates and/or with lower collateral requirements to
private organizations owning heritage or culture-related buildings (being museums,
theaters, libraries, private collections, etc.)
Engage in more regular monitoring of historical assets to ensure possible problems
and risks are identified before damage to an historical asset is irremediable. Engage in a
more regular maintenance cycle. Currently, the FAD has a 25-year maintenance cycle
for its assets. This is insufficient for the asset stock; the cycle should be shorter.
Training of staff on disaster preparedness and in post-disaster protocols. Prepare
advocacy about the importance of Thai heritage, and specifically train specific groups of
the population (government officials, institutions, civil society members).
Provide incentives for the relocation to families that are encroaching on historical
sites, as well as land use that is conflicting with the historical characters of the sites. In
some instances, communities have settled on the edge of or on portions of registered
sites, contributing to the deterioration of the historical sites. Further analysis is necessary
to determine beneficiaries and ensure a proper management of the relocation process.
Conflicting land uses adjacent to historical sites deserves appropriate attention and
should be analyzed for the development of a strategy that would relocate or address these
conflicts in order to determine a proper long-term historical preservation strategy for the
country.
Support the improvement of livelihood opportunities linked to recovery of the cultural
heritage sector) and supporting local businesses in this sector through tax incentives,
subsidies, etc.
186 THAI FLOOD 2011 RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR RESILIENT RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION PLANNING