I, too am a heritage conservation practitioner. Here is my stance on the Wakeskating in the Terraces Controversy: Number 1: This one-time event is between the owner of two rice paddies and Red Bull. Whatever they want to do with their land is their right as long as they dont step on anyones rights. Everything else is secondary. Number 2: This event had the blessings of the community. Of course I do not mean those contrived rituals with shaman and tribal leaders in full regalia as the film depicted. That was theatrical. The community simply was generally happy about the event. Number 3: It was done during the land preparation time of the rice cycle, when the ponds are cleaned and leveled for the next annual planting season. The local people know better and would not allow another event at any other time of the year. Number 4: It was not conducted within the inscribed World Heritage Sites. The people in these areas have always been burdened by development restrictions because of this World Heritage Site protection logic. Now they came up with a solution by identifying buffer zones where some activities prohibited in the core WH Sites are allowed. Apparently, this last stunt was not received well even. But then again it is their land and lets not underestimate their wisdom to distinguish between inappropriate activities and appropriate activities in their private property. Not even one of us who come from that place would infringe on this. Number 5: I agree that the rice terraces is not a Wakeskating Paradise. But if the owner decides to make this an annual event in his land, then that is his right, as long as the activity is consistently conforming with the rules of the local environment. Number 6: I think this combination of modern sport and an ancient heritage is a brilliant PR idea that makes the exposure worthwhile for the rice terraces. Precision was shown in every move which highlighted the delicate composition of the immediate environment. It is for me, a call on the world to protect it.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:40:28 +0000
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