Climate Change and its Impact on Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies for Buddhist Heritage in Swat and Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

An alarm for the built heritage such as archaeological ruins under the threats of climate change. This research aims to identify how climate change affecting the measures for protecting the built heritage. Purpose of this research to understand climate risk to Buddhist Built Heritage sites in District Swat and Mardan division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, a Land of Gandhara, the prominent in the history of Buddhism. This study looks at how climate change distresses disaster risk reduction measures for Buddhist sites. Methodology adopted, a field surveys, interviews, historical data analysis, to examine state of DRR measures used to assess sites, their effectiveness in the context of shifting climate patterns. The study highlights urgent need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding this irreplaceable heritage, identifying gaps in strategies, limited integration of climate change. Adoption of novel DRR frameworks, early warning systems, climate-smart infrastructure, collaboration among local communities, government/International organisations were recommended.