Sustainable conservation of archaeological sites with local communities: The case study of Tel Yoqne’am, Israel

Eran Hemo, Ravit Linn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Archaeological sites are exposed to deterioration processes. Many sites are situated within the jurisdiction of local municipalities and are subjected to local administrative, planning, and development practices that usually lack conservation strategies. Consequently, many sites are neglected and suffer deterioration. The involvement of a local community in conserving an archeological site was studied at Tel Yoqne’am, Israel, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The results show the clear advantage of collaborating with local communities in the sustainable conservation of sites. Such sustainable conservation demands the integration of new strategies and long-term programs that include conservation, planning, and community involvement. These enable the community to learn the values of its archaeological site, understand its importance, identify with it, develop local pride, take responsibility and become involved in its sustainable conservation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)411-426
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies
Volume5
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
to N. Koren-Lorents for the educational program management. To the Conservation Department, headed by R. Kiskev, with special thanks to those who were deeply involved in the project and contributed to its success: Y. Shealtiel, M. Ratner, Y. Saad, A. Elzam, J. Peterson, G. Salomon, and I. Hanitaieb. Special thanks to N. Shehori and L. Shamir, who provided highly important consultancy to the project in the fields of community involvement and local municipalities. To the municipality members of Yokneam Illit, including the mayor, S. Alfassi, the town chief architect, M. Sakka, the director of projects, R. Kish, and the director of educational welfare, T. Aharon, for financial, logistic and other support throughout the program. We are also grateful to the Ira and Ingeborg Rennert Foundation (Israel Antiquities Authority) and the Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth Memorial Fellowship for Excellence in Research (University of Haifa) for important financial support.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Keywords

  • Community outreach
  • Public archaeology
  • Sustainable conservation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Conservation
  • Archaeology
  • Archaeology

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