الملخص الإنجليزي
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) worldwide are vulnerable to natural and
man-made hazards. These hazards consequently affect their Outstanding
Universal Values (OUV), authenticity and integrity. Therefore, ensuring the
sustainability and resilience of these WHS against different incidents is crucial in
order to maintain the tourism flow. This study aims to identify potential risks
that might affect the Aflaj irrigation system to enhance their resilience and
highlights Falaj Daris as a case study. This study used three methods, semistructured
interviews to collect data from the Falaj Daris coordinators, local
community, and governmental specialists in managing WHS in Oman. In
addition, the use of observation and the Geographic Information System (GIS).
The use of the GIS helps to prove the outcomes of other research methods used
by highlighting the current and potential risks around Falaj Daris and its
boundaries.
The study results revealed that many threats are endangered Falaj Daris as a
result of the lack in coordination between the various parties concerned with the
management of cultural heritage in the Sultanate of Oman, especially the World
Heritage sites. This weakness in coordination led to the random planning and
multiple roles in management that has put these sites at risk. Also, Falaj Daris are
threatened by other risks such as the infringement of its boundaries and buffer
zones, urbanization, pollution, lack of tourism activities and interpretation.
Moreover, the irresponsible behaviours of some of the local people have caused
a weakness in the flow and quality of the falaj water.
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The study raises several recommendations which are divided into development
aspects and management issues. They aim to enhance capacity-building,
stakeholder partnership, sustainable investment, education, experience
enhancement, tourist behaviour management, local communities engagement,
zoning, and the active use of the resources, water management, hazardous waste
management and the improvement of the legal framework.
