Cultural heritage loss in the face of sea level rise and climate change: perspectives from the Asia-Pacific and Tuvalu

Abstract

This article examines the adequacy of legal and policy responses to cultural heritage loss in the face of sea level rise and climate change, focusing on the Asia-Pacific and the case of Tuvalu. It argues that the erosion of cultural heritage reveals a blind spot in climate governance centred on adaptation. Indeed, the loss of cultural heritage and land are deeply intertwined yet not fully addressed in current local actions or international law, with a few timid exceptions. Through the analysis of selected Asia-Pacific domestic responses and bilateral and international instruments, the article highlights existing gaps and emerging pathways. It also explores the recent approaches of international judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, revealing an increasing, albeit cautious, focus on the dimension of cultural heritage loss.

Keywords: Cultural heritage; Asia-Pacific; Tuvalu; Loss and damage; Sea level rise