Episode 7: Preserving heritage sites in conflict zones: does this help communities to recover?

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Is the protection of heritage in conflict zones more important than the protection of human lives in wars and times of civil unrest? In this episode of Exploring Global Problems, Dr Nigel Pollard discusses his work on the protection of heritage in conflict zones around the world and why it is important from both a moral and philosophical perspective. Drawing on his work in places such as Syria, Egypt and Italy, Nigel discusses how protecting heritage can help to rebuild communities broken apart by conflict, the importance of heritage sites to local and national economies and how armed forces on peace-keeping missions can win the support of local communities by respecting local heritage.

ABOUT OUR EXPERT

Dr Pollard is a Roman historian and archaeologist. His particular interests include cultural property protection in conflict zones, both historic and modern. At present Dr. Pollard is primarily working on a study of protection, damage and reception of archaeological sites and monuments in the Second World War, including the work of the Allied Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Sub-Commission (the ‘Monuments Men’), and as a board member of the UK National Committee of the Blue Shield, engages with governments, NGOs and military personnel to promote the protection of cultural sites in conflicts and natural disasters.

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