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Assessment of Natural Disasters Impact on Cultural Mayan Heritage Spaces in Remotes Villages of Guatemala: Case of Black Salt

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Pablo Yon Secaida

    (Laboratory of Architectural Planning, Division of Architectural and Structural Design, N216, Engineering Faculty, Hokkaido University, Kita 13-Jo, Nishi 8-Chome, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Suguru Mori

    (Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Rie Nomura

    (Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

Abstract

In the town of Sacapulas located in the mountainous country of Guatemala, there is a constant risk of natural disasters. Floods and landslides occur frequently, resulting in the loss of human lives and cultural aspects. Specifically, in the region, the creation of black salt is the most affected. This resource has been created since the time of the Mayans on the salt beach surrounding the town. However, from the 1940s onwards, this industry has shrunk, impacting the sustainability of indigenous people. After conducting several area and space analyses, it was found that the black salt beach has evolved considerably since the last research conducted in 2001. The shape of the space has been reduced, while the use of the area has been modified by the people of the town, who specifically use the hot springs located below the river shore of the beach. This new usage can coexist with the Salt making industry is only made by a few people now, there are few working in this industry, and they only work in the dry season. The result is an opportunity for economic growth and an increase in tourism if the area handled properly by managing the land and planning ahead.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Pablo Yon Secaida & Suguru Mori & Rie Nomura, 2023. "Assessment of Natural Disasters Impact on Cultural Mayan Heritage Spaces in Remotes Villages of Guatemala: Case of Black Salt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-34, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:16:p:12591-:d:1220681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Pablo Yon Secaida & Suguru Mori & Rie Nomura, 2024. "Current Situation of Traditional Architecture Located inside Cultural Mayan Heritage Spaces in Remote Villages of Guatemala: Case of the Black Salt Kitchens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-52, April.

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