Investigating the resilience potential of heritage in response to climate change-related conflict with UK-based Syrian refugees

This research explores the role of heritage within refugee resilience for those who have experienced displacement, following climate change-related conflict. While heritage is known to play a role in identity and belonging, the role it can play as a source of resilience post-displacement remains unexplored. This research also interrogates the complex relationships within the climate change-conflict-migration nexus. In Syria these relationships have seen exploration, but the studies here have been almost entirely focused on quantitative data and there remains considerable disagreement around the connections within the nexus. This research addresses these gaps in understanding by seeking to learn from the experiences of Syrian people, a voice largely missing from previous research.

Working with a small group of Syrian refugees in the UK, this research utilises an interdisciplinary approach, with storytelling and participatory methodologies, including object interviews, semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops. These methodologies enable the thesis to explore how heritage, as identified by the participants and co-creators, assists with their connection to a sense of identity, home, and belonging and the importance of heritage preservation, whilst placing their lived experience and voices up front and centre. It also examines the types of heritage that facilitate these connections, and the barriers these participants face in accessing and practising heritage in the UK.

The analysis finds that climate change in Syria is likely to have played an indirect role in the onset of conflict in the country through its impact on other key drivers, and the failure of the Syrian regime to mitigate these impacts. Further, although the consequences of climate change, conflict and migration to heritage in Syria have been profound, the participants’ concerns around heritage frequently related to items, places and practices considered “everyday heritage”. This finding expands our ideas around heritage and heritage protections. On the issue of resilience, the research found that heritage, as identified by the participants, enhances their connection to home, sense of belonging, well-being and overall resilience. This research develops our understanding of the relationships between climate change, conflict and migration, particularly in the context of Syria, and how heritage contributes to community and individual recovery after displacement.