On October 20, a significant launch and seminar focusing on the project “Comprehensive Risk Monitoring, Assessment, and Preventive Protection Strategies for Cultural Heritage Disasters in Shanxi” took place in Taiyuan, Shanxi. The event gathered numerous experts and scholars from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, various universities, research institutions, and cultural heritage organizations, all contributing their insights towards the protection of cultural heritage both in Shanxi and across China.
The project is part of a collaborative initiative by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, aimed at developing a theoretical framework for preventive protection and disaster mitigation tailored to the unique cultural heritage resources of Shanxi. It seeks to establish a comprehensive risk monitoring and assessment system to guide scientific approaches to the preventive protection of cultural heritage.
Huang Qingxue, the director of the Shanxi Research Institute for Engineering and Science Development, emphasized that the project focuses on identifying various potential disasters that could harm Shanxi’s cultural heritage. It aims to assess risks, create detailed “medical records” for cultural heritage items, and formulate effective protection plans and preventive measures. This initiative will enhance the scientific, professional, intelligent, and precise nature of heritage protection in the region.
Shen Xingquan, the party secretary of Taiyuan University of Technology, noted that the project responds to national needs for heritage preservation. It addresses cutting-edge scientific and technological challenges, significantly contributing to reducing disaster risks and improving the scientific basis of protective measures. The university plans to leverage its talent and integrate team efforts to ensure high-quality research outcomes.
Bai Xuebing, deputy director of the Shanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau, highlighted Shanxi’s status as a crucial cradle of Chinese civilization, rich in cultural heritage resources. He pointed out that effectively monitoring and evaluating disaster risks to these resources, as well as developing reasonable preventive strategies, is a pressing challenge. The project not only bears critical importance for the protection of Shanxi’s cultural heritage but also serves as a model for national efforts in preventive conservation.
Bai urged participants to maintain a scientific, rigorous, and pragmatic approach throughout the project. He encouraged the exploration and development of advanced monitoring technologies and assessment tools, along with a thorough analysis of natural disaster characteristics to establish effective preventive strategies. This work aims to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of disaster risk assessments, providing valuable recommendations for policy-making at both the provincial and national levels.
During the meeting, representatives from participating organizations presented their implementation plans and progress. Experts, including Professor Chen Hongbing from University of Science and Technology Beijing, Professor Han Pengju from Taiyuan University of Technology, Senior Engineer Wu Jingshu from China Metallurgical Group Corporation, and Professor Hou Miaole from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, provided detailed updates on their respective research areas.
