Heritage sites are key infrastructures in any country, warranting special protection. But the unique nature of these places call for specific solutions tailored to the requirements.
On a Friday morning in April this year, more than 3000 tourists at the Statue of Liberty were evacuated with little warning, after a 911 caller threatened to blow up the place.
Federal police investigations into the matter revealed the threat to be a hoax, but the whole incident was a reminder of safety concerns at heritage sites. Now, after the recent Paris attacks that reiterated the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure, providing adequate protection at heritage sites should be seen as a priority.
There are three key reasons for this. First, militant groups like the IS are known for destroying heritage sites in the Middle East, and their reasons for such activities coul...