As the realities of climate change intensify, it is increasingly clear that resilience must extend beyond infrastructure and economics. Cultural heritage, however, remains one of the most overlooked elements in this equation. UWE Bristol researchers and on-the-ground local professionals and heritage organisations in Yemen are working to change that. The project offers a stark example of what is at stake and how safeguarding heritage can strengthen community resilience in times of conflict and environmental stress.
Yemen’s dual crisis
Yemen is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Rising temperatures, water scarcity and increasingly erratic rainfall threaten livelihoods and stability. At the same time, years of conflict have devastated infrastructure and cultural landmarks. Together, these forces put centuries-old heritage and the communities who depend on it at risk.
Historic sites such as Al-Qahira Castle in Taiz, perched high above the city, have suffered severe damage from airstrikes. This fortress has stood for nearly a thousand years, serving as a strategic stronghold and a symbol of Yemeni identity. Its loss would mean erasing a vital link to Yemen’s history and a focal point for community life.
Traditional knowledge, crafts and practices are disappearing, and this loss is central to the challenge faced. These skills are part of Yemen’s living heritage, essential for maintaining historic structures and preserving cultural identity. For example, traditional stone masonry techniques are vital for repairing Al-Qahira Castle, yet few artisans remain to pass on this knowledge. Without these practices, recovery becomes harder and communities lose the cultural tools they need to adapt to climate change.
Why heritage matters for resilience
Cultural heritage is not just about monuments; it is a foundation for social cohesion and recovery. When heritage is destroyed, communities lose identity and a sense of continuity, making adaptation and peacebuilding harder. Protecting heritage is therefore integral to climate resilience.
Professor Lisa Mol, UWE Bristol, explains:
“Heritage is often overlooked in the nexus of conflict mitigation and climate adaptation strategies, yet it plays a critical role in community resilience. In Yemen, safeguarding cultural identity is as important as rebuilding infrastructure.”
Professor Lisa Mol is working with Heritage for Peace, the Department of Antiquities in Yemen, and international partners to address these challenges through two linked projects:
- Documenting climate impacts on heritage Funded by AHRC IAA, this initiative trains young professionals in Taiz to record climate-related damage to built and intangible heritage. It also promotes climate education in schools, helping the next generation understand risks and adaptation strategies.
- Emergency stabilisation of Al-Qahira Castle Supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), this project responds to severe airstrike damage with urgent conservation measures. It builds on earlier documentation efforts by Heritage for Peace and aims to prevent further collapse of this iconic landmark.
Dr Isber Sabrine, President of Heritage for Peace, says:
“This work is not just about saving stones; it is about saving stories, traditions and the identity of communities who have already endured so much.”
The human impact
For the young professionals involved, these projects offer more than technical training. They provide hope and a sense of agency in a context where opportunities are scarce. Heritage loss is not just a local issue; it is a global one. Cultural diversity enriches humanity, and its destruction erodes our shared history. Moreover, Yemen’s experience highlights a critical gap in climate policy: adaptation must include cultural resilience. If heritage is ignored, recovery will be slower and communities more vulnerable to future shocks. But through this project, the team is working with local stakeholders to develop practical roadmaps for anticipating climate risks and safeguarding heritage sites for future generations. In doing so, they are strengthening the role of heritage as a living expression and celebration of Yemen’s rich cultural identity.
Written by Kat Corbett
Interim Head of Circular Economy – UWE Environment & Sustainability Team
Project Coordinator MAKERS – Inspire Sustainability Team