ICOMOS India West Zone and MAATI Convention 2025 invites scholars, conservationists, architects, historians, and researchers to contribute to a critical dialogue on unrecognised heritage—its significance, challenges, and the need for inclusive conservation frameworks. While many sites and traditions enjoy formal recognition, numerous cultural assets remain obscured despite their historical, social, or cultural value.
This convention aims to challenge conventional heritage narratives, explore gaps in recognition, and propose innovative methodologies for documentation, conservation, and policy development. We seek papers that address undiscovered heritage from multiple perspectives, including tangible and intangible heritage, the impact of modernisation, the role of local communities, and frameworks for recognition and protection.
Sub-Themes:
Heritage recognition often overlooks diverse cultural assets. This theme explores biases in selection frameworks, strategies for integrating unrecognised heritage, and safeguarding undocumented intangible cultural heritage to promote inclusivity.
Forgotten histories and abandoned heritage shape cultural identity. This theme examines the impact of neglect, methods for rediscovery, and the role of intangible heritage—oral traditions, rituals, and crafts—in revitalising lost narratives.
Heritage faces increasing risks from disasters and climate change. This theme focuses on risk management, recovery strategies, resilience planning, and how traditional knowledge can enhance community-driven heritage protection.
Urbanisation, globalisation, and climate change threaten heritage. This theme examines contemporary challenges, innovative conservation tools, collaborative efforts, and strategies for preserving cultural diversity in a rapidly evolving world.
Preserving historic integrity while adapting to modern needs is complex. This theme examines adaptive reuse, ethical redevelopment, and case studies that successfully integrate heritage into contemporary landscapes.
Globalisation endangers intangible heritage. This theme discusses strategies for documentation, safeguarding oral traditions, performing arts, crafts, and festivals, and successful community-led revival initiatives.
Existing policies must evolve to protect both recognised and unrecognised heritage. This theme critiques current frameworks and explores inclusive policies, sustainable governance, and integration with development goals.
Awareness and education are key to conservation. This theme highlights heritage advocacy, community engagement, skill-building, and successful initiatives that foster cultural stewardship and preservation efforts.
Submission Guidelines:
● File Naming Format:
Abstracts: A_[Your Name]_[Email]
Example: A_Maria Khan_maria@maatishala.com
Full Papers: P_[Your Name]_[Email]
Example: P_Maria Khan_maria@maatishala.com
Please adhere strictly to the prescribed paper format and presentation format, available for download at the link below. Non-compliance may result in disqualification.
Important Dates:
For more information, click here: https://maatishala.com/news/
Submit your papers here: https://forms.gle/Z8wFMDUdWkej7zPW6
For queries write to us at: maatikatha@maatishala.com
We look forward to your contributions in uncovering Heritage Undiscovered and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for heritage conservation.
