ABSTRACT
Over the past decades, significant destruction of cultural and natural heritage has prompted international responses and reshaped conservation principles. Historical patterns reveal that heritage often becomes a target during conflicts, reflecting identity struggles. International laws like the Hague Conventions and the 1954 Hague Convention aimed to protect cultural property during armed conflicts, yet their efficacy has been limited. Modern conflicts, involving armed non-state actors (ANSAs), pose unique challenges due to fluid dynamics and informal diplomacy. Initiatives like Geneva Call and UNESCO's efforts to engage ANSAs in protecting cultural heritage highlight attempts to bridge this gap. Concrete initiatives, including specialised military units and organisations like ALIPH, are designed to safeguard heritage in conflict zones. Reconstruction principles, evolving from limited reconstruction to community-driven rebuilding, are reshaping conservation efforts. New approaches like UNESCO's CURE framework and the integration of cultural heritage protection into military operations offer hope for improved preservation in crisis situations. Predicting future conflicts, potentially exacerbated by political tensions and climate change, presents a need for tools similar to the ACTOR model to guide protection strategies. Overall, these efforts underscore the ongoing struggle to protect cultural and natural heritage in the face of evolving conflicts and challenges.
