The museum is an aspiring place of learning and education for all and it is substantially different from other learning environments. Greek museums started implementing educational programs for...Show moreThe museum is an aspiring place of learning and education for all and it is substantially different from other learning environments. Greek museums started implementing educational programs for school groups during the 20th century, but it is only recently that the largest museums began trying to stand by museum pedagogy with focusing their educational programs on school groups, while at the same time they are aiming at diverse audiences as well. The research of this thesis focuses on the methodologies that 15 selected Greek museums have used for the last three years (2017-2020) in their educational programs for preschool and primary school children. These 15 museums are divided into 3 categories (archaeological, byzantine/historical and folk art, art museums and galleries) and each of the categories consists of 5 relevant museums. The gathered data show that, when it comes to young children, all three museum categories use the same methodologies to keep their excitement, namely storytelling, guided discussion, discovery and creative activities. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the subject, the role of the teachers that accompany the school groups was found to be essential, due to the fact that they are informed about the special needs of their group and can help them settle in the museum space. The question of effectiveness of the aforementioned educational programs is also posed, but since the researched museums in their vast majority do not make formal evaluations, it was not possible to gather information on the matter. Moreover, with the outbreak of the pandemic of Covid-19, it is only natural to continue the research on a more digital level, and with this is mind, the digital activities offered for children during the pandemic are explored. As it is noticed, the museums offer online games and many craft suggestions to keep children occupied and happy in the house.Show less
In the past, archaeologists and Indigenous Peoples did not always co-operate well. This has changed for the better, but is that also reflected in documentaries about archaeology? Indigenous Peoples...Show moreIn the past, archaeologists and Indigenous Peoples did not always co-operate well. This has changed for the better, but is that also reflected in documentaries about archaeology? Indigenous Peoples have been mis- and underrepresented in the mainstream media. It is therefore important to show the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and archaeologists in a correct way. Thus the research question of this thesis is: How are Indigenous Peoples (re)presented in contemporary documentaries on the archaeology and heritage of Central America? This was studied by analysing three documentaries. The cinematic language was explained in chapter two in order to be able to analyse documentaries. Then ethnographic content analysis was used to set up categories and variables to collect data from the films by analysing the characters. A definition of if a character was considered Indigenous or not was set up by studying the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the discussion between scholars on different definitions for Indigenous Peoples. The analysis of the data showed that from the three movies, with a total of 29 characters, only two characters could be considered Indigenous. This means that in these movies the Indigenous perspective was underrepresented. Also, some of the variables showed that these Indigenous characters were treated differently than other characters. Western filmmakers or production companies should be aware that they are not inclusive, which they should be according to UNDRIP. Western filmmakers should start collaborating with Indigenous Peoples when making movies about their history and heritage, because then Indigenous Peoples can regain control of their stories and represent themselves.Show less
The concept of sustainable development has already been embraced more than three decades ago since the publication of the Brundtland Report by World Commission on Environment and Development. This...Show moreThe concept of sustainable development has already been embraced more than three decades ago since the publication of the Brundtland Report by World Commission on Environment and Development. This report stated that development is not synonymous with economic growth alone, but also includes a social and environmental aspect. In 2015, the United Nations (UN) announced the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which has the purpose to eliminate poverty, fight inequality and justice, and to combat climate change. The state members of the UN have to adopt the SDGs agenda as a framework for their political policies and national development agenda until 2030. The SDGs agenda has also affected the heritage management, because heritage with its value of identity and as a repository of cultural, historical, and social memory forms a vital aspect of the development process. Cultural heritage tourism is one of the methods that can bridge cultural heritage to development. However, in many cases the benefits of cultural heritage tourism do not directly flow to the local communities who in fact are the core element of the SDGs and heritage management. Moreover, in developing countries like Indonesia, the local communities have been excluded from the heritage development planning. Heritage practitioners seems to be not familiar with the implementation of the sustainable development concept. However, the heritage tourism at the USAT Liberty site play an important role in the lives of the local people who live nearby, they even actively participate in the management of the site. Many scholars appreciate the local people’s attempts to protect the USAT Liberty site and to help create sustainable heritage tourism. The USAT Liberty provides valuable data on how cultural heritage can be successfully sustained. Thus, by using the USAT Liberty site as case study, this thesis aims to provide suggestion how to achieve sustainable cultural heritage tourism in accordance with the SDGs principles.Show less
The research problem of this thesis stems from the increasing trend of employing the abstract concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ in the management plans of World Heritage...Show moreThe research problem of this thesis stems from the increasing trend of employing the abstract concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ in the management plans of World Heritage Sites or archaeological cultural heritage management projects. To find out whether the use of these concept has actual implications, or they are just another “buzz word”. Therefore, the main research question of this thesis is: To what extent is a sustainable approach implemented in the management of the Bulgarian World Heritage Site – the Kazanlak Thracian tomb? To answer this question, the methodology uses three types of methods – direct observation, document analysis (World Heritage Site management plan), and semi-structured interviews with four stakeholders from both local and national level of the management system. As theoretical methodologies designed to analyse the social problem of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ and its transmission into cultural heritage management plans is still underdeveloped. The criteria were refined based on issues raised in a review of literature on the subject and attempts to provide a practical approach that can easily move between data and theory. The aims of the thesis are threefold. The first aim is to contextualise the meaning of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ within the context of World Heritage Site management. The second aim is to present a working methodology for conducting sustainability analysis while using qualitative data. The third aim is to apply the research methodology to the case of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb and evaluate its limitations. The triangulation of the results from the direct qualitative analysis challenges the strong emphasis that is positioned to the tangible aspects of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb. Therefore, the final discussion argues that the top-down approach and the highly hierarchical system are blocking the implementation of a sustainable approach in the management of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb.Show less
Concerns have been raised regarding the low level of public support for the Dutch Roman Limes, considering its upcoming UNESCO World Heritage nomination. With regard to this issue, this thesis set...Show moreConcerns have been raised regarding the low level of public support for the Dutch Roman Limes, considering its upcoming UNESCO World Heritage nomination. With regard to this issue, this thesis set out to gain insight into the role Dutch local museums with a Roman collection do and could play in enhancing support for the Limes amongst the local community. Four local museums were selected as case studies: Stadsmuseum Woerden, Woerden; Museum Swaensteyn, Voorburg; Liemers Museum, Zevenaar; and Museum Dorestad, Wijk bij Duurstede. The data for this research was gathered through analysis of the Roman exhibitions in these museums and interviews with museum staff members and volunteers. Community engagement, the idea of creating a dialogue between the community and the museums (and their Roman exhibitions), provided the theoretical framework for this research. The main issue brought to light in this thesis is the seeming lack of support for these museums amongst their local communities, because of which they do not reach many people amongst the local communities for the Limes. If alterations are made to the Roman presentations to facilitate personal connections, outreach efforts are targeted at audiences other than the standard ones, and community participation is encouraged by these museums, the amount of support from the local community for the museums and their Roman collections could increase. To enhance public support for the Dutch Roman Limes, the museums should present their Roman exhibitions as a part of, and a contribution to, the overall story of the Limes. To achieve all the above, it is essential to intensify cooperation amongst the Limes museums, cooperation with stakeholders in the local and regional areas, and cooperation with Stichting Romeinse Limes Nederland. All in all, this research has revealed that the current role of the local museums in enhancing public support for the Limes amongst the local community, is marginal. However, if the suggestions outlined in this thesis are considered, these museums have great potential to increase support for the Limes amongst the local communities. This would further justify the Limes World Heritage nomination and strengthen the position of the local museums as public institutions and guardians of (local) heritage. In the end, telling the story of the Limes to a broader audience and thereby, hopefully, enriching the lives of the inhabitants of the Limes area, is the ultimate goal.Show less
The present study deals with one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture, the monastery of Hosios Loukas, which is on the western slope of mount Helikonas, in...Show moreThe present study deals with one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture, the monastery of Hosios Loukas, which is on the western slope of mount Helikonas, in Voiotia. The main object of this research was to study the cultural components of this site, because it is the most important monument of the Middle Byzantine period in Greece and it has a rich historical, religious and cultural background. The main topic I examine is the financial impact of the monument on the local community and how managing a religious site can contribute to the continuing vitality of the religion itself, as well as culture, tradition and local economy. Moreover, it is interesting to investigate how the public perceives monastic and religious culture and what kind of strategies should be followed, so as to enhance the public awareness for religious monuments in order to improve the local economy. For these reasons, a questionnaire was designed which was conducted in January 2015 at the entrance of Hosios Loukas monastery in Steiri (Voiotia, Greece) and handed out to visitors to the monastery. Furthermore, through an interview with one of the monastery’s representatives, I gathered information for my research. Unfortunately, there is no a similar survey in order to compare my data with, but I hope that my paper will be useful for further studies in the future and will be used as comparative material. The monks intend to create a museum with the monastery’s manuscripts and relics, which will be under their own authority. This could be of great importance for the monastery’s sustainability. It is necessary to emphasize the site’s management for its financial support, but for the local community’s support as well. Cultural and educational activities in the Monastery could be effective to this purpose.Show less
This thesis analyses the implementation of the Malta Convention in the European overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean. The European overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean...Show moreThis thesis analyses the implementation of the Malta Convention in the European overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean. The European overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean are a handful of islands still legally connected to either France, the Kingdom of the Netherland, or the United Kingdom. These islands have different constitutional relations with Europe and often the European nation is responsible for the signing of international conventions. One of these conventions is the European Convention on the protection of Archaeological heritage (revised) from the Council of Europe (Valletta 1992). This convention has a large impact on the archaeological heritage management in Europe. Important aspects of the Malta Convention are placing archaeology in the urban planning process, in situ preservation, financing of archaeological work (which has resulted in the developer pays principle); it also focuses on public outreach, scientific collaboration, and the prevention of illicit circulation of archaeological elements. The aim of the Malta Convention is “to protect the archaeological heritage as a source of the European collective memory..” (Malta Convention, Article 1.1). This raises the question of how well this convention could be applied to another context, such as the Caribbean. To analyse how the Malta Convention applies to the OCTs in the Caribbean, the legislation of the islands has firstly been analysed. Are the concepts of the Malta Convention present in the legislation? And secondly, is what is written in the legislation also executed on the islands? The effects of the Malta Convention on the daily basis of archaeological heritage management has been analysed through interviews with archaeologist working in the region.Show less
The remains of the battlefields of World War II have been a great problem since the end of the war. They often bring dissonant memories for both individuals and groups of people. This thesis...Show moreThe remains of the battlefields of World War II have been a great problem since the end of the war. They often bring dissonant memories for both individuals and groups of people. This thesis examines the dissonance of the Death Railway (Thailand-Burma Railway), a major site of wartime heritage in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. It focuses on one of the issues concerning the site’s interpretation. The main question that will be answered in this thesis is ‘What is the effect of the contemporary display of the Death Railway on the image visitors have?’ For this reason it is important to explore the visitors’ perceptions about the site and investigate whether their perceptions change after their visit. The survey was conducted in February 2015 at Kanchanaburi; a questionnaire was handed out to visitors before and after they visited the site. The perspective of the local community will also be discussed in this study. To do so, a questionnaire was used to gain insights into the general views from local people, while interviews were used to collect answers from members of the wartime generation in Kanchanaburi province. Comparing the results from this survey to the literature review from the same area of study, it can be concluded that the display presentation and activities at the site have little effect on the tourists’ perception towards the site. The visitors’ nationality and knowledge about the war more strongly affect the way in which visitors experience the site. The majority of international visitors, especially those who come from countries involved with the Railway’s construction, are well aware of the site’s historical value. On the other hand, Thai visitors and visitors from other countries just want to have fun and enjoy the natural beauty during the train trip. However, it can be argued that what is presented is very important too. The current display of the Death Railway and its associated museums and cemeteries mainly capture the memory of the prisoners of war, but gives little attention to Japanese soldiers and local Thai history. This affects the sense of belonging among Thai citizens, for they know very little about the importance of their heritage and lose the interest to learn about it. It would be beneficial to include more historical viewpoints and to present a wider view of the site’s heritage in both the historical and ethnical sense. In this way, the Death Railway can be seen from multiple perspectives and at the same time create a sense of belonging among Thai citizens.Show less
Ifugao is a province in the northern Philippines, notable for its magnificent rice terraces and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ethnographical and ethnohistorical sources support the view that this...Show moreIfugao is a province in the northern Philippines, notable for its magnificent rice terraces and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ethnographical and ethnohistorical sources support the view that this province's subsistence system is based on intensive rice agriculture. Rice is embedded in the cultural and social core of Ifugao. This is visible in the structured terraces as well as intertwined in the Ifugao's intangible cultural heritage practices. Be that as it may, modern and commercial, cultivars (e.g rice) are frequently becoming modified to assist in an increase of food supply and security. This thesis research answers the question: How does the cultivation of commercial rice varieties affect Ifugao's intangible traditions and agricultural customs associated with the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras World Heritage Site? Two approaches were applied to answer this: a review of relevant literature and an ethnography performed on 96 current Ifugao rice farmers. Both methods provided datasets to present the traditional character of Ifugao's traditional rice farming. This study is particularly focused on Ifugao's traditional rice varieties in comparison to modern introduced varieties. The intention was to discuss the effects of these varieties on Ifugao's past and current cultural and intangible heritage practices. The archaeological heritage management of traditional cultural practices, concerning Ifugao rice rituals, e.g. Baki Hongon di Page, assist to validate the critical component of maintaining the 'outstanding universal value' of the Ifugao's terraces and its value as a World Heritage site. How often very inadvertent modifications or introductions, e.g. GMOs, might have unintended consequences and avoidable impacts on the holistic fabric of the intangible culture and community practices associated with rice are demonstrated. This is further complicated with the wavering state of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera's heritage maintenance and management, and the lack of initiatives to aid future issues in safeguarding the terraces of Ifugao heritage on this matter. The new rice varieties introduced to Ifugao are in fact deleterious to community structure, not just commercially, but also there is no visible traditional nexus for the introduced rice. This means, there is no need to maintain terraces for new rice since it is commercially viable. The Ifugao communities will therefore find other economic pursuits, but with traditional rice the social glue links the community to the terraces and they will be maintained as part of this complex cultural heritage connection. The research concludes that the cultural and intangible heritage, alongside the farming of traditional rice varieties, are critical to the preservation of both the physical terraces, and its intrinsic significance.Show less
The aim of this thesis is to identify the status quo of stakeholder engagement in archaeological heritage projects in The Netherlands by studying the processes of organization and decision-making...Show moreThe aim of this thesis is to identify the status quo of stakeholder engagement in archaeological heritage projects in The Netherlands by studying the processes of organization and decision-making in the development of two main archaeological site parks. An integrated approach to heritage management is taken as starting point in the form of a values-based research strategy, by which all the stakeholder’s values attributed to the heritage sites are identified. The two case study projects under examination are Archaeological Park Matilo in Leiden and Castellum Hoge Woerd in Leidsche Rijn. They both involved preservation of archaeological remains and reconstructions of Roman castella in the setting of public site parks located in new city districts. The main research question is: What was the degree of stakeholder engagement in the development of Archaeological Park Matilo and Castellum Hoge Woerd and which values attributed to the heritage sites were most complied with in the projects? Data was collected by means of interviews with the main stakeholder groups, a qualitative research method. The main outcome of this study is that social values were complied with the least. Some additional ways of how to do things differently to this respect are provided.Show less
The aim of this research is to define how oral history can be used as a source of information for archaeological research, and how it can be complementary to an approach in which the local...Show moreThe aim of this research is to define how oral history can be used as a source of information for archaeological research, and how it can be complementary to an approach in which the local community is included. By using the information for practical as well as ethical research engagements through an extensive analysis of the local perspective by looking at historicity and multivocality, it is shown that much more can be achieved with oral history research when the local perspective is thoroughly understood and precisely described. Therefore, Oral history as part of archaeological research is placed in between archaeological ethnography and community archaeology. Analysis of oral history data supports knowledge of the local display of historicization and thus helps to understand the information as deriving from a local perspective, which improves its usefulness for archaeological research. By looking at the presentation of historicity through specific characteristics of oral history storylines, a new framework of reference is presented for further research on combining oral history and archaeology. When the perspective of the local community is understood, information from oral history interviews can be included in the archaeological research as part of a multivocal interpretation of the past. Including voices of the local community and therefore adjusting archaeological research to their perspective and valuation of heritage promotes the active involvement and inclusion of the local community.Show less
Abstract This thesis is focuses on the how different stakeholders value the archaeological record and the archaeological policy in the municipality of Apeldoorn. There has been almost no research...Show moreAbstract This thesis is focuses on the how different stakeholders value the archaeological record and the archaeological policy in the municipality of Apeldoorn. There has been almost no research to this subject, while the archaeological record is part of the heritage of the people, and not just of the archaeologists. The thesis starts with the formulating of the research questions and is then followed by an explanation of the methods that were used to answer the different sub questions. The first part of the thesis focuses on the history of archaeological research in the Netherlands and on burial mounds, and the legislative background of archaeological protection in the Netherlands. This was to clarify how the archaeological record came to be and to what extend the archaeology in the Netherlands can be protected via legislation. The archaeological record is the result of differing policies in the past, but as often the focus for protection of archaeological features lay on visibility, burial mounds are now over represented on the monuments list. Indication programs are designed to give priority of protection to archaeological features that are under represented on the monuments list. Since the Treaty of Valletta was signed by the Netherlands in 1992, the focus of protection came to protection in urban planning. With taking archaeology in account in the early phases of new development plans. The new situation also led to the foundation of commercial archaeological companies, while the quality is guarded by the Quality Standard for Dutch archaeology. The second part of the thesis focuses on the opinion of different stakeholders. Three interviews were held with three representatives of different stakeholder groups. One interview was held with a representative of a nature preservation organization, one interview with the municipal archaeologist of Apeldoorn and one with a representative of a housing association organization. From these interviews it became clear that the stakeholders are content with the present situation. The only point to which more attention might be given is the provision of information, both for obtaining more specific information as for sharing archaeological information. Apart from these three interviews, the opinion of the inhabitants of the municipality of Apeldoorn was gathered by handing out questionnaires, as the local inhabitants can 84 also be seen as stakeholders. It became clear that most respondents agree with the protection of burial mounds, but that they are divided as to who should be involved in the selection process of appointing new archaeological monuments. After analyzing the differing aspects of the thesis, the main question could be answered. It seems that there is a good balance in Apeldoorn between the need to protect and preserve the archaeological record and the need of other purposes for the land.Show less
I studied how the KNA value system can be adjusted, so that the traces of World War II are not immediately named worth preserving on the basis of the perception value. The criteria aesthetic and...Show moreI studied how the KNA value system can be adjusted, so that the traces of World War II are not immediately named worth preserving on the basis of the perception value. The criteria aesthetic and historic value are almost always high with the traces of the war. The reason therefore is that the archaeology of World War II is still young and has a close connection to our present day society. It is impossible to research every trace with a perception value. Another important point is that the remains of the war can have more meanings than only be used for scientific research. I studied how KNA value system and the valuation method of RAAP, an archaeological research agency and consultancy, work to understand those systems and to be able to adjust it. I further studied how Belgium and England treat their war heritage and if there are points that we could use. Next I studied whether education and the involvement of the community could function as criteria. With all the knowledge gathered I could adjust the KNA value system. I did this by developing a new value called ‘meaning’. It exists of four criteria; educative, symbolic, emotional and community.Show less
In my thesis I focus on the question: To what extent we can speak of mutual colonial heritage in general and in the case of Cape Castle in Cape Town? Though literature and sending questionnaires to...Show moreIn my thesis I focus on the question: To what extent we can speak of mutual colonial heritage in general and in the case of Cape Castle in Cape Town? Though literature and sending questionnaires to heritage managers I looked at the different European mutual heritage policies and compared them. It turned out that the use of the term mutual was not shared by all the involved countries. What we could learn from this comparison is that European policies should focus more on explaining their meaning and definition of mutual heritage towards the partner country in order to make the mutual heritage processes successful, and should have this as their main priority. Because the term Mutual was not always seen as an equal process, but more as a European idea. In my case study I paid attention to the different perspectives on Cape Castle (Cape Town, South Africa). It turned out that the Dutch see the Castle as a symbol that represents the glorious days of the Dutch East India Company. While for the South Africans, the heritage site also represents the horrors of the Apartheid period.Show less
In recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and...Show moreIn recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and their careful excavation can delay construction projects significantly. The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage attempted to ensure the protection of archaeological heritage during urban (re)development. This has led to a rather strained relationship between urban planners and heritage managers. Better cooperation between these two stakeholders is necessary. In this thesis, key theories and concepts to improve cooperation are explored. On the basis of a mutual understanding of the similarities and differences between sociocultural and economic values, common ground can be found by the different stakeholders. Furthermore, sustainable tourism is an important concept. Recently an immense growth in cultural heritage tourism has occurred, also stimulated by the World Heritage List. Roman remains are among the most popular attractions, and are well represented on the List. Sustainable tourism is crucial to ensure long-term profit and minimal deterioration of cultural heritage. To create sustainable tourism in city centers, the theories of the ‘heritagescape’ and of the ‘experience economy’ are crucial. Attempting to create sustainable tourism in city centers with Roman remains is what will bring heritage managers and urban planners closer together. It is a common goal in which both these stakeholders’ values are represented. An investigation was conducted which consisted of a literature research and a field research. On the basis of a number of theories, the importance of sustainable heritage tourism was investigated from economic, social, and cultural perspectives. Important topics such as stakeholders, valuation, international legislation, and experience value are explored and explained. Field research was conducted in Rome (Italy), Bath (United Kingdom), and Cologne (Germany). It consisted of explorations of these city centers and interviews with the on-site heritage managers and project leaders. The information gathered was then analyzed. International regulations and valuations always need to be considered. However, through a common understanding of valuation systems of archaeological heritage it is easier to discuss the wants and needs of different stakeholders. Sustainable heritage tourism is beneficial for many parties, and represents many values. It can be created through applying the ‘heritagescape’ and the ‘experience economy’ theories. Fruitful cooperation between urban planners and heritage managers can be created by focusing on the common goal of creating sustainable heritage tourism.Show less
Legislation, both internationally and nationally, on archaeological heritage management is often based on a dominant heritage discourse which focuses on material conservation. However, there are...Show moreLegislation, both internationally and nationally, on archaeological heritage management is often based on a dominant heritage discourse which focuses on material conservation. However, there are multiple heritage discourses and among them those of indigenous peoples. These are based on different perspectives on issues like history, time and landscape and those differences can have major ramifications for views on appropriate management of archaeological sites. As indigenous peoples’ rights are more often being recognised, also within the archaeological discipline, local indigenous communities become involved in heritage management projects. This involvement entails different degrees, from mere presentation to true collaboration and engagement with the indigenous culture. In Bolivia, there have been significant political developments in the last two decades related to indigenous peoples. The question is whether increased rights for indigenous peoples result in challenging the dominant heritage discourse during archaeological heritage management projects. By examining three case studies, it is shown that the level of involvement is not primarily defined by legislation. Bolivian legislation contradicts itself on several points and the enforcement of the law is questioned. Additionally, various other elements have an influence on the level of involvement, such as the personal background of the initiators of the project and the interest the local indigenous community has in the site. Also, the participants of the project have to be motivated to collaborate and have to be open to new perspectives and ideas that might contradict their own.Show less
Capacity development is a widely used system in international development. As the management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage is a relatively new discipline, so is the use of capacity...Show moreCapacity development is a widely used system in international development. As the management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage is a relatively new discipline, so is the use of capacity development there. One of the most widely used systems for developing capacity in this specialised field of cultural heritage has been created by the Nautical Archaeological Society (NAS). Unfortunately this system, together with most other capacity development projects, does not include a standard measuring method to track results. The aim of this thesis therefore is twofold: first to create a method for measuring the results of NAS based capacity development projects on the management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage, secondly to measure the results of the participants in the development of their capacity. To measure both results, two case studies are presented: one from Sri Lanka and one from South Africa. As no data on the personal development from Sri Lanka could be obtained, the results of this part of the research are based on just the South African case. For measuring the results on the management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage, the 2001 UNESCO convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage has been transformed into a check list. It the management of this heritage complies more with the 2001 convention, it is regarded as being better. The check list provides an easy tool to clarify which elements have to be measured, in order to measure progress. The conclusion of the first part of the research is that the management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage has seemed to be improved as a result of the NAS courses held on Robben Island and Sri Lanka. But as there have been only two, fairly recent, case studies used, more research is needed to formulate definite conclusions for the system used by the NAS. As there were too few respondents from the questionnaires, no conclusions can be drawn on the role of the NAS course on the development of capacity of the participants. There are however indications that the NAS course did improve the capacities of the participants, from experienced maritime archaeologists to divers with no universal degree at all. Research on participants of other courses would therefore be highly recommended. Also more research is needed to find out if the Western based methods of the NAS are the best answer to the needs of non European countries.Show less
Robben Island has received various comments by ICOMOS and UNESCO since its opening as a museum. Most of these issues are relating to the natural environment of the island and only four out of...Show moreRobben Island has received various comments by ICOMOS and UNESCO since its opening as a museum. Most of these issues are relating to the natural environment of the island and only four out of seventeen issues are relating to the cultural heritage. In this thesis there is a focus on one of the issues raised concerning the cultural heritage of island; the site interpretation issue. The main question that will be answered is Should the current state of presentation possibly be improved, and if so, how and why ( to suit what and whom)? Therefore it is important to make an analysis of the rich history of the island as well as to look at what the visitors’ perceptions of the island are. A questionnaire was designed and a survey was conducted in February 2011 at the Waterfront in Cape Town amongst tourists visiting the island. Comparing the results from this survey with previous research, it can be concluded that the island’s visitors were and still are quite happy with the presentation on the island. They are not so much concerned with what is presented but more with how this is presented, as visitors ask for more free time and other ways of exploring the island. However when looking at the history and current situation in South Africa, it can be argued that what is presented is very important too. Currently the focus of the presentation is mainly on the political prison history of the island, but a lot more relevant things from the island’s history can be told. Robben Island plays an important role in the history of several groups in the contemporary South African society. In the context of nation building it would therefore be beneficial to include other narratives in the island’s presentation, in order to make the island a symbol of the shared heritage of the whole nation and not just one part of it. Both the way how things are presented and what is presented on the island should be improved in the future. Already plans have been made for (guided) walking tours on the island, which would touch upon the diverse history of the island as well as both the natural and cultural heritage. In order to come to a solution that is beneficial to all, all the stakeholders (both on and off the island) should be consulted.Show less
