Bhatta Kishan Datta

Urban Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Community Development: a Case Study of Historic Town "Thimi" of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Bhatta Kishan Datta

Places of cultural significance enrich people's lives, offering a deep and inspirational sense of connection to community and landscape. Historic towns and cultural landscape have shaped our societies and are considered invaluable assets for the present and future generations. To preserve the cultural identity and historic characters of such towns in the light of transformation brought by the forces of globalisation and urbanisation as well as progress in production technology present severe challenges to relevant stakeholders. This study extensively review the significanne of heritage of Thimi and identifes the absence of integrated polices,weak public participation,lukework tourism promotion and weak institutional capacity as the factors underpinning the demise of Thimi as a sustainable-cum-culture community. It also highlights the urgent need of urban conservation through area revitalisation that enhance local economy,improve built environment,maintain sense of community and regenerate local arts and crfats, and eventually promote sustainable community development.