Episode 4: To Conserve or Not to Conserve

In this episode of Whose Heritage? P.T. Meadors is joined by peers, Ellie Penner '23 and Aislinn Niimi '24, to discuss the nuances of conservation practices around the world. 

Penner discusses a controversial conservation project she took part in during the Spring and Summer of 2022 in Upper Musthang, Nepal. She discusses the temple painting restoration project she was involved in and how community involvement would end up influencing the conservation and restoration processes. Moreover, Penner touches on UNESCO involvement in conservation around the world, and why communities around the world may not want to use traditional conservation methods.

In his conversation with Aislinn, she discusses the ways in which Penner's project reflects the tenets of the Nara Document on Authenticity. She outlines what this document is, why it was created, and what is means for conservation and restoration projects around the world. Moreover, Aislinn explains the connection between conservation and restoration and authenticity. Using the example from France and Japan, Aislinn gives listeners insight into the past and present of conservation around the world.

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