Assessment of Heritage Conservation Practices and its Challenges The Case of Agulae Town

Abstract

This study is designed to investigate the practice and challenges of heritage conservation in the study town. The conservation system in the study town is poor i.e. It does not have adequate attention, awareness and coordination from stockholders and it lacks proper maintenance to keep its originality. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive and explanatory research design using a mixed research approach. The study used a variety of data collection methods, such as focus group, interviews, and observation. Systematic random sampling was used to select participant from target population and using purposive sampling key informants from various organizations were selected. The actual and valid sample size of the study is 130 household residing the entire study town. The findings of the study revealed that the heritage sites found in Agulae town are not safeguarded from being damaged and found in a poor status specially Dejat Gebreslase residential building. Through document review of plan document and interview with relevant stockholders, this paper evaluates the impact of urban planning initiatives on heritage conservation. The findings highlights the importance of holistic approach to urban planning that integrates heritage conservation, infrastructure enhancement and land use harmonization. The major conclusion sketched from the study is that the main factors affecting heritage conservation are lack of stakeholder involvement and coordination, poor government concern and professional commitment, vandalism and lack of funds. The study implied that the sustainability of heritage in the study area endanger unless conservation practice is supported by conservation guidelines, heritage site management plans, stakeholders integration and community involvement. The researcher tried to recommend that the heritage sites need to get better protection and care. They need to be relieved of their problems and threats, so stakeholders should play their roles in an organized and integrated manner, unless otherwise it will become difficult.