This work is particularly timely. Around the world, museums are facing increasing threats—from natural hazards intensified by climate change to theft, vandalism, and cyber-security breaches. Recent high-profile incidents, including reported security breaches at major museums such as the Louvre in Paris (France), the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (Egypt) and the Langi Morgala Museum in Ararat (Australia), have underscored the urgent need for strengthened preparedness, upgraded security systems, and comprehensive risk-mitigation planning.
For Pacific Island Countries, the need for robust museum security is even more pressing. The region hosts only a small number of national museums and cultural centres, many of which safeguard collections of profound historical, archaeological, and cultural significance. Yet these institutions operate in environments highly exposed to cyclones, flooding, earthquakes, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. At the same time, cultural tourism—an important driver of Pacific economies—has grown steadily, with regional tourism arrivals rising by over 15% between 2015 and 2019, and Fiji now receiving close to one million visitors per year. This places additional pressure on cultural institutions to welcome more visitors safely and sustainably.
Against this backdrop, strengthened preparedness, enhanced security infrastructure, and improved digital and physical documentation are essential to protect Fiji’s collections and support a resilient cultural sector. Through this cooperation, UNESCO and the Fiji Museum are helping ensure that heritage is preserved for future generations while reinforcing the Museum’s role as a trusted, accessible, and secure public space for all.
For more information, contact Ms Sara Garcia de Ugarte s.ugarte@unesco.org
