Nexus Heritage part of landmark team for a cultural heritage plan for Mongolia

Oyu Tolgoi, LLC, has awarded the design of the Oyu Tolgoi cultural heritage plan (CHP) to the Mongolian International Heritage Team (MIHT). The purpose of this study is to develop a CHP that allows Mongolia and Mongolians to define a process by which their heritage is not only preserved, but enhanced, at the same time that the country’s natural resources are appropriately developed. The objective of this study is to create a CHP specific to the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) project, and the goal is for the OT CHP to serve as a model for the country. We are designing a cultural heritage program for a mine encompassing a vast area with a use life extending well into the second half of the 21st century. OT is so large that for all intents and purposes the OT CHP will serve as a model for heritage resource management for the entire country of Mongolia. We will cover all aspects of heritage- tangible and intangible-spanning the fields of archaeology, history, anthropology, paleontology, folklore, language, museology, heritage tourism, and public education.

OT is the largest as-yet-undeveloped copper-gold ore deposit in the world. The project is located in Khanbogd county (soum), Ömnogovi (South Gobi) province (aimag) of southern Mongolia, and upon completion will represent investments of approximately 4 billion U.S. dollars. Due to the scale and nature of OT’s operations, the project will have a variety of direct and indirect impacts

on communities and stakeholders, including both positive and negative influences. One set of concerns expressed repeatedly in community meetings in the South Gobi involves cultural heritage. Locals are concerned that cultural objects and traditions may be lost, yet they remain cautiously optimistic that mining operations will provide better opportunities to support local museums, protect cultural resources in situ, restore and conserve damaged cultural items, and encourage heritage tourism.

The design of the CHP will take place over the next year. It will cover both tangible heritage resources, such as archaeological and paleontological sites, and intangible resources, such as folklore, dances, and the Mongol way of life. We will design practical procedures to minimize the impacts of mining activities on historical sites as well as devise plans to enhance local museums and encourage cultural events to draw tourists. The OT CHP is as ambitious as it is unprecedented.

The MIHT is composed of four principal partners—Mongolian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology (MASIA); Sustainability East Asia, LLC; Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI); and the University of Arizona (UA)—along with numerous cultural heritage scholars from around the world. We are led by Dr. B. Gunchinsuren (MASIA), Dr. John Olsen (UA), and Dr. Jeffrey Altschul (SRI). John Miragliotta (Sustainability) is the project manager. Team leaders are Dr. Ch. Amartuvshin (Tangible Resources, MASIA), Dr. J. Gerelbadrakh (Public Programs, Mongolian University of Education), and Dr. S. Chuluun (Intangible Resources, National University of Mongolia).

International specialists on the team include: Dr. A. Ochir (International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations), Dr. K. Tsogtbaatar (MAS Institute of Geology), Dr. Willem Willems (Leiden University), Dr. Hilary du Cross (Hong Kong Institute of Education), Dr. Chen Shen (Royal Ontario Museum), Dr. Michael Novacek (American Museum of Natural History), Dr. Jeffrey Homburg (SRI), Dr. Gerald Wait (Nexus Heritage), and Dr. Diane Douglas (SRI Foundation).

For more information on the OT CHP, please contact Gerald Wait gerry.wait@nexus-heritage.com

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A conservation management strategy was produced for this 17th century watermill complex near Tullamore as part of the feasibility and outline design stages for a residential and therapy centre for disabled children.

Rothe House, Kilkenny: Conservation Management Plan

Conservation management Plan and Implementation Strategy for this late 16th-century merchant’s house complex, part heavily restored in the 1960s, and more recently serving as offices for the Heritage Council. The CMP set policies in place and actions that have been successfully implemented, leading to much increased visitor numbers and improved conservation and presentation. The CMP is available through the Heritage Council website.

Oystermouth Castle - Public Heritage

Oystermouth is a castle of national importance in the ownership of the City and County of Swansea.  The castle was built in the late 12th century, although the majority of the buildings date from the 13th Century. A chapel and other buildings were added in the early 14th century, and two further ranges in the later medieval period. 

During 2003 - 04, a team of archaeologists and engineers undertook a Conservation Management

Plan. The project was undertaken in order to assess the significance of this nationally important Scheduled Ancient Monument, and recommend policies for its future repair and conservation. This was followed in 2004 – 2006 with emergency recording and conservation works.

In 2006-08 a major HLF Bid was prepared in enable the complete implementation of the actions arising in the CMP. In Sept 2008 this bid received nearly £1million in HLF funding.

Temple of Amun, Siwa Oasis, Egypt

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