Welcome to the thematic symposium within the framework of the UISPP inter-congress conference “Asian Prehistory Today: Bridging Science, Heritage and Development.” This symposium, guided by the scientific committee’s theme of “Facing resources challenges through time: Water and Forests,” aims to explore the intricate relationships between water systems, forests, humans and societal resilience across time and cultures.

Throughout human history, the management of natural resources, particularly water and forests, has been fundamental to the development of cultures. Ancient societies engineered sophisticated irrigation systems to harness water for agriculture, shaping landscapes and sustaining communities. Concurrently, forests provided essential resources for shelter, fuel, and biodiversity, influencing cultural practices and ecological balances. Archaeological evidence from all around the world shows that tropical forests, far from being virgin, have in reality been shaped by human actions during millennia.

This symposium invites researchers from all disciplines, and other stakeholders such as local farmers, artists, and policy makers, to delve into these dynamic interactions through archaeological findings, ethnographic studies, historical records, contemporary environmental science, and life experiences. By examining the archaeological evidence of past management and exploitation of forest and water, we can glean insights into sustainable resource practices that resonate with modern challenges.

We welcome contributions from diverse perspectives and disciplines which can take many shapes: academic presentations, exhibitions of scientific research and/or artistic creations, audio-visual presentations, and performances. This interdisciplinary approach aims to foster a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between natural resources, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.

A field trip to local sites will offer first-hand experiences of traditional water management systems and sustainable forest practices, providing a context-rich backdrop for scholarly discussions.

For inquiries and submissions, please contact:

Hermine Xhauflair, School of Archaeology, University of the Philippines Diliman – hermine_xhauflair@hotmail.com

Yesaya Sandang, Center for Sustainable Development Studies, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga, Indonesia – yesaya.sandang@uksw.edu