Understanding the past, Protecting the future: A study on the preservation of petroglyphs created by the indigenous people of Guadeloupe

This thesis examines the most appropriate sustainable management strategy for petroglyphs created by the indigenous people of Guadeloupe, with a focus on the petroglyphs at Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées, Anse des Galets and Capesterre Petit-Pérou. Through visual inspection, literature review and analysis of case studies of other petroglyph sites, the natural and human threats to which petroglyph sites are exposed were identified. The main natural threats to the petroglyphs at the sites are natural, biological and chemical weathering and erosion caused by water and wind. This has caused significant damage to several petroglyphs. Petroglyphs also become invisible due to the growth of mosses and algae. In addition, human activities such as economic development, tourist impact and vandalism and theft pose significant risks. To implement sustainable management, recommendations have been made that involve a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques, digital documentation,...Show moreThis thesis examines the most appropriate sustainable management strategy for petroglyphs created by the indigenous people of Guadeloupe, with a focus on the petroglyphs at Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées, Anse des Galets and Capesterre Petit-Pérou. Through visual inspection, literature review and analysis of case studies of other petroglyph sites, the natural and human threats to which petroglyph sites are exposed were identified. The main natural threats to the petroglyphs at the sites are natural, biological and chemical weathering and erosion caused by water and wind. This has caused significant damage to several petroglyphs. Petroglyphs also become invisible due to the growth of mosses and algae. In addition, human activities such as economic development, tourist impact and vandalism and theft pose significant risks. To implement sustainable management, recommendations have been made that involve a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques, digital documentation, systematic monitoring, environmental management, and community and international cooperation. These recommendations provide an effective management strategy that both preserves the cultural integrity of petroglyphs and ensures their accessibility for future generations. Due to the limitations of the visual aspect of this study, future research is recommended that recommends applying advanced diagnostic methods and long-term monitoring, as well as developing specific protection strategies such as coatings and cleaning methods adapted to the specific conditions of the petroglyphs in Guadeloupe.Show less

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Understanding the past, Protecting the future: A study on the preservation of petroglyphs created by the indigenous people of Guadeloupe