Climate complicates heritage preservation

The forum was held to improve the preservation of cave temples and uncover their value and historical significance, thereby contributing to the preservation of humanity's intellectual achievements, Li says.

In 2021, 635 cave temples and cliff statues were discovered during a 10-month national field survey. The new discoveries brought the number of cave temples and cliff statues to 5,986, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

Among them, 2,155 were cave temples and 3,831 were cliff statues, with 288 sites under State protection.

Experts at the Chongqing forum agreed to promote the protection of cave temples in light of global climate change, research and develop new materials, establish early warning systems, and create a global database of historical images, which they hope will help future generations appreciate their beauty.

Song Xinchao, chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites, suggests that research on the impact of climate change and into necessary responses should be improved.

"Water and wind are the primary factors causing damage to the world's cave temples and stone carvings," Song says, adding that climate change has led to the increasing uncertainty posed by natural threats.

He calls for in-depth studies on core factors such as water-related damage and the geological environment, with a focus on preventive conservation measures.

Moreover, efforts should be directed toward strengthening archaeological investigations and exploring the values of these sites, as well as managing tourism, he says.

Li Fangyin, a researcher with the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, says that climate change is closely related to cultural heritage preservation and presents new challenges for heritage conservation.

The key lies in the vigorous implementation of conservation projects to enhance the ability to withstand risks, he says.

Over the past decade, the Dazu Rock Carvings have been subject to 30 cultural heritage conservation projects targeting rock stability, the draining of seepage, and weathering damage issues.

"Landscapes may endure forever, but grottoes are difficult to preserve indefinitely. Like other cultural relics, cave temples are experiencing the convergence of traditional risks and new risks brought about by climate change," Li Fangyin says. "This has made the conservation challenges increasingly complex and the difficulties greater."

He recommends that cultural heritage conservation units should cultivate risk management awareness, carry out vigorous heritage monitoring, and enhance disaster prevention and mitigation measures.

Li Fangyin also calls on parties to strengthen archaeological research and digital recording, and pay more attention to the preservation of information about grottoes.