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If we did not learn from our past, we would have little understanding of our present. Archaeological sites and vestiges are not only sources to a forgotten past, but outstanding relics of beauty and achievement. Unfortunately today we are taking our past heritage for granted.
The best friend of these sites are tourists, they get the much-needed finances. But then by their very nature, archaeological sites and monuments are very vulnerable to the adverse physical impact of many thousands of feet passing over them so tourism is also the enemy. Take for example Acropolis, Athens where numerous people visit every day.
For people to be able to protect their heritage they need to be able to survive first. Have you ever thought whether your money will go in to help the people? Suatainable travel should be the in thing. Take for example Easter Island. Where lots of people visit to see 887 mysterious statues known as moais.
Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes of course destroy all in their wake. But man made destruction through global warming, noxious fumes produced by the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in motor cars are all leading to rising sea levels, flooding and storms. Our national parks are at risk!
Monuments, and artefacts at ancient sites are threatened by changes in historic and local climatic conditions. Changing weather conditions may lead to subtle but damaging shifts in moisture levels affecting structures directly, or the chemistry and stability of soils in which they are found. Changes in the water table may lead to flooding in some places or reducing the air moisture in others.
The international black market in antiquities shows no signs of declining. The most blatant example is that of Angkor. Treasures, which are a key to history, become the centerpieces of personal drawing rooms with no regard for history or society.
Inadequate site management and conservation, over-excavation, steady advance of urban sprawl, increased tourism, unsympathetic urban and infrastructural planning are all contributing to destroy our treasures. Wake up and help preserve them. A man without a memory is lost so would we be if we do not learn from our past.
