Cultural Impact Assessment & Maritime Archaeology in Galle, Sri Lanka

In April 2007, a Field School was organized in Galle, Sri Lanka, on the study of heritage conservation. The Field School offered 18 staff and advanced students from the Asian Academy for Heritage Management member institutions from 8 countries the opportunity to study heritage conservation with the guidance of leading experts in this field. The maritime site of Galle, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 for its outstanding architectural value showcasing interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions, provided the real-life context for the training. The curriculum of the 9-day Field School consisted of lectures on topics ranging from conservation legislation to underwater archaeology, group work, field trips to heritage sites in Galle as well as diving sessions at several underwater heritage sites in the bay of Galle.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the course was to offer the staff and advanced students of the AAHM the opportunity to extent their knowledge on heritage conservation, under the guidance of leading experts in this field. This was done in the settings of the maritime site of Galle, a World Heritage List site, which provided a good learning environment and a real-life context for the training.

RESULTS
Within the framework of integrated conservation management and with particular regard to the development plan for the expansion of the Galle port, the participants of the Field School conducted a cultural impact assessment of the site that, besides built heritage, included living and underwater cultural heritage. The results of the Field School were presented to Sri Lankan and international representatives from national archaeological organizations and national agencies responsible for the protection of coastline and marine resources at the opening of the Regional Experts Meeting and the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Galle.