Andalusian Cultural Heritage and Natural Hazards Prevention

Abstract

Most of the Spanish cultural heritage is exposed to natural hazards. This fact is opposed to a sustainable development, which is the cultural heritage base, because its goal is to be passed down to future generations (Andalusian Cultural Heritage Law 2007). The impact of natural hazards on the Spanish cultural heritage has been checked over the Lorca earthquake (May 11th, 2011). The impact is higher for rapid onset phenomena, but prevention measures are not projected for avoiding them. Natural hazards prevention implies hazard identification, analysis and also risk assessment and management. The cultural heritage in urban areas of Andalusia (Spain) is very rich, but it is not completely considered in town planning, regardless of the fact that they might be placed in hazard-prone areas. Town planning cannot reduce the exposition of this cultural heritage but hazards and vulnerability can be reduced. Hazards and vulnerability of elements at risk must be known to design suitable prevention measures.