Professor Martin Bates Joined International Expedition on Digital Heritage Project in Tanzania
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to announce that Professor Martin Bates participated in a prestigious international expedition.
The invitation came from the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of St. Andrews, where Professor Bates collaborated on a groundbreaking digital heritage project in central Tanzania.
As part of implementing the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CFP) funded project, the University of Dar es Salaam and University of St. Andrews conducted joint fieldwork at two significant archaeological sites, Laetoli and Winde. The field mission, held from 24th June to 7th July 2024, provided hands-on training to staff and students at the University of Dar es Salaam on digital capture and documentation of heritage sites as measures to mitigate climate change impacts.
The project aimed to document and preserve the rich archaeological record of the region, which faces significant threats from climate change. Professor Bates, an expert in geoarchaeology, lent his expertise to this critical initiative. He noted the devastating impact of flooding during the wet season on Tanzania’s archaeological sites, drawing parallels to the challenges posed by sea level rise to similar sites in the UK.
“Being invited to work on this project was a tremendous honour,” said Professor Bates. “One of the things that became apparent while working there was the impact of climate change. Flooding in the wet season is just as destructive to the archaeological record in central Tanzania as sea level rise is to our record in the UK.”
The collaborative nature of the project was a cornerstone of its success. By sharing knowledge among the different partners, the team could interpret the archaeological record in diverse and enriching ways. This approach was exemplified by the study of ancient hominid footprints at Laetoli, which provided insights into how different groups understand and value their heritage.
“Sharing knowledge between the different partners on the project showed us how the record of the past, for example, the ancient hominid footprints at Laetoli, can be interpreted in different ways by different groups. Such an understanding enhances the rich heritage of the area,” Professor Bates added.
The field mission included participation from staff and students of the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of St. Andrews, as well as scientists from the National Museum of Tanzania (NMT), Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Ireland’s Discovery Programme, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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