Climate change: Safeguarding museum collections from deterioration

By: Izirein Ozien Patience

Nigeria is a nation richly endowed with cultural heritage. From archaeological discoveries and traditional artworks to historical monuments and ethnographic collections, our heritage provides a tangible link between the past, the present and the future.

Museums have the important responsibility of safeguarding this heritage. However, the changing climate is creating new challenges that require urgent attention.

Rising temperatures, high humidity, intense rainfall and flooding can accelerate the deterioration of museum collections. Materials such as wood, textiles, leather and paper are particularly susceptible to environmental changes. Excess moisture can encourage mould and insect activity, while fluctuating environmental conditions can weaken vulnerable objects over time.

These challenges make preventive conservation increasingly important. Rather than waiting for an artefact to deteriorate before treatment is undertaken, museums must identify and reduce the factors responsible for deterioration.

Environmental monitoring should become a routine part of museum management. Temperature and relative humidity should be regularly monitored in galleries, stores and conservation laboratories. Museum buildings should also be inspected for roof leaks, poor drainage, structural weaknesses and other conditions that may expose collections to unnecessary risks.

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Disaster preparedness is equally essential. Every museum should have a practical emergency plan covering fire, flooding, pest infestation and other emergencies. Staff should be trained regularly, and emergency procedures should be tested so that valuable collections can be protected when unexpected events occur.

Technology offers another important opportunity. Digital photography, electronic cataloguing and other forms of digital documentation can preserve valuable information about collections and improve access to cultural heritage. Digital records can also reduce unnecessary handling of fragile objects.

Sustainability should equally become an integral part of conservation practice. Appropriate ventilation, improved building design, energy-efficient systems, solar energy and effective drainage can help museums create safer environments for collections while reducing operational pressures.

Most importantly, heritage conservation must involve the communities whose history and traditions are represented in museums. Indigenous knowledge, traditional craftsmanship and community participation can provide valuable approaches to sustainable heritage preservation.

The role of the modern conservator therefore goes beyond repairing damaged objects. It involves prevention, risk assessment, research, environmental management, emergency preparedness and public education.

Nigeria’s cultural heritage belongs not only to the present generation but also to those yet unborn. Every artefact preserved represents a story, a memory and a connection to our identity.

As climate change continues to reshape our environment, safeguarding our heritage must remain a national priority.

To lose our heritage is to lose part of our memory. To preserve it is to preserve the story of who we are.

•Izirein is Chief Conservator, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Owo, Ondo State.