Surveying Ahu Nau Nau in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk
As island communities face hardships, they are responding by drawing on a long history of adaptation and indigenous knowledge to challenge prevailing modern orthodoxies and devise creative solutions for the future.
There are also ongoing management issues resulting from increased visitation and damage from free-ranging cattle and horses. Barriers have been placed around sites to prevent erosion by visitors, keep visitors from trespassing on sacred areas – and to keep livestock from the monuments.
CyArk Holding a Digital Documentation Workshop in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk
Ma’u Henua, the indigenous group that controls the National Park and World Heritage Site, is leading the response to impacts of climate change on coastal monuments which contains the majority of the archaeology.
Showing LiDAR to a Rapa Nui Local (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk
They work with the Chilean Monuments Commission through the Secretaría técnica de patrimonio Rapa Nui, which acts as a liaison between Ma’u Henua and the Chilean government.
Wall on Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk
Following a community vote in 2017 in favour of rescuing Ahu Ura Uranga, a restoration program has been undertaken to replace the fallen stones from the posterior (ocean facing) wall of the ahu as well as the creation of an additional sea wall to lessen the impact and erosion that has happened over the years.
Observing sea wall at Ahu Hanga TetengaCyArk
The first phase of this project is the construction of a wall that will allow for the stabilization of the site and prevent further damage. The second wall will break the wave action avoiding direct damage on the monument.
Discover more
A Quick Guide to Rapa Nui's Climate Crisis
How the People of Rapa Nui Are Using Technology to Address Conservation Issues
Heritage on the Edge
Rapa Nui
Discover how CyArk uses 3D documentation to empower local experts.
Find out more about ICOMOS' efforts to increase engagement of cultural heritage in climate action here.
Professor Jane Downes, ICOMOS Working Group on Cultural Heritage and Climate Change, and Archaeology Institute Director, University of the Highlands and Islands UK.
