Build Back Better: Rebuild to Preserve

Heritage values are socially, economically or culturally directly linked to populations and influence the static or dynamic way in which they perceive, experience and enjoy their territory. Knowledge of the risks and measures that contribute to the preservation of its livelihoods and its social and cultural environment, regardless of whether or not to change the way of organizing space and construction forms, will be important to minimize impacts and avoid social dysfunction. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 points out for cases of damages, it will be better to rebuild, seeking to maintain communities by making use of their adaptability reinforcing their resilience. According to the Valletta Principles for the Safeguarding and Management of Historic Cities, Cities and Urban Areas (2011), also known as “The Valletta Principles”, adopted by the 17th ICOMOS General Assembly on November 28, 2011 in Valletta, Malta, interventions must ensure respect for tangible and intangible heritage values, as well as the quality of life of the inhabitants. These are broad concepts, but applied to the analysis and definition of disaster risk prevention and mitigation measures, may contribute to keeping communities increasingly reflexive and resilient.