Environmental Consideration in the Preservation of Paper Materials in Heritage Institutions in the East and Southern African Region

Abstract

Heritage institutions, especially in developing countries throughout the world, have difficulties in achieving ideal environmental conditions in the preservation of paper materials. Concerns exist about improving environmental conditions in heritage institutions considering the limited storage facilities and resources in most developing countries in Africa. This chapter redefines suitable strategies for various environmental factors impacting preservation in heritage institutions in the East and Southern African Region. The chapter discusses effective activities, environmental factors, and explores knowledge and skills required for achieving ideal storage conditions. Furthermore, it discusses the key challenges of maintaining ideal and constant environmental conditions for paper-based materials particularly in developing countries where resources are limited. The chapter concludes by providing a recommendation of an environmental conditions management framework that can be used to effectively manage environmental conditions in heritage institutions.

Role and Challenges of Local Knowledge Management among the Minangkabau Community

“…Modernism and cultural globalisation, especially in Minangkabau communiti, continue to pose serious threats to cultural heritage conservation. The situation is compounded by the fact that only a few heritage institutions in most developing countries have sufficient regulations, protocols, procedures, and guidance strategies to avoid deterioration factors (Segaetsho, 2018).…”

“…While national legislation for heritage institutions is available in most countries, national policies and guidelines that specifically direct the conservation work of each country are still challenged by these institutions (Segaetsho, 2018). Heritage organisations should be able to record all that is in place as a safeguard.…”