Historic Preservation in Micronesia


RESEARCH PROJECT SUMMARY



Research Abstract Research Questions Ethics Approval



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Research Abstract

The world's store of heritage material (physical and non-physical) is disappearing rapidly through a combination of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors. In the island states of Micronesia, tropical conditions accelerate its deterioration by increasing the effect and extent of natural decay processes. Much that was not documented has already been lost beyond hope of retrieval and unless appropriate management action is swift, what remains will inexorably disappear in an increasingly rapid process. Determining what heritage should be preserved is fraught with difficulties and the potential for disagreement on almost every facet is international in scope.

This research will investigate past and present effects of post-colonial developments on heritage management processes in emergent political entities within Micronesia. It will explore changes to heritage preservation arising from the influences of post-colonial social, political and fiscal developments. Local social changes resulting from the effects of social processes such as 'nationalism' and 'globalism', or from gaining political independence while suffering the realities of economic dependence, will be considered. It will also illustrate the effects accruing from devolution of power and responsibility to local authorities and the local development and application of heritage management legislation.

Particular attention will be given to:
  1. changes following the establishment of self-government,

  2. evolving perceptions within Micronesia of the value of heritage and cultural property, and

  3. the extent to which indigenous decision-makers have been empowered since self-government.

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Key Research Question

What effect (if any) has self-government had on:
  1. Micronesian perceptions of what constitutes their heritage.
  2. Preservation management of tangible and intangible Micronesian heritage property.
Hypotheses
  1. That transferring responsibility for heritage management to local authorities has coincided with a change in focus for heritage management in Micronesia.
  2. That fundamental differences have developed in Micronesia since self-government in: i) what Micronesians consider culturally important ii) whether they think it should be protected, and iii) how they think it should be protected.
  3. That different perceptions of what constitutes heritage and how much it is valued are becoming apparent between generational, educational and vocational strata within Micronesian society.
  4. That outer island of district societies are more traditional in their attitudes, are changing more slowly and less radically than central societies, and are thus valuable sources of traditional knowledge and potential storehouses of heritage property.
Aims
  1. To determine whether perceptions of heritage have changed since self-government.
  2. To determine whether preservation processes satisfy local aspirations.
  3. To determine whether heightened interest in national heritage may be linked to independence or the processes of nation-making.
  4. To determine what effects internationalisation and globalisation have had on preservation of cultural heritage.

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Ethics Approval

This research and its methodologies have been reviewed and approved by the Ethics in Human Research Committee of Charles Sturt University. If you should have any concerns about the research or its conduct, you may contact the committee directly at the address below.

Issues you raise with the Committee will be treated in confidence, they will be investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.


Contact Details

The Executive Officer,
Ethics in Human Research Committee
The Grange,
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst NSW 2795
AUSTRALIA
Tel: (02) 6338 4628 Fax: (02) 6338 4194

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