Siliutina, I., Tytar, O., Barbash, M., Petrenko, N., Yepyk, L.

/ Volume 13 - Issue 75: 262-273 / March, 2024

262

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.75.03.22
How to Cite:
Siliutina, I., Tytar, O., Barbash, M., Petrenko, N., & Yepyk, L. (2024). Cultural preservation and digital heritage: challenges and
opportunities. Amazonia Investiga, 13(75), 262-273. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.75.03.22

Cultural preservation and digital heritage: challenges and

opportunities
Preservação cultural e património digital: desafios e oportunidades

Received: February 7, 2024 Accepted: March 25, 2024

Written by:
Iryna Siliutina1
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7668-7820
Olena Tytar2
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1951-7830
Marina Barbash3
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2784-5030
Nataliia Petrenko4
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3781-6372
Larysa Yepyk5
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5160-6529

Abstract Resumo

This research aims to examine the challenges and Esta investigação visa examinar os desafios e as
opportunities associated with the digitization of oportunidades associados à digitalização do
cultural heritage. It seeks to provide insights into património cultural. Procura fornecer informações
the dynamic interplay between technological sobre a interação dinâmica entre os avanços
advancements and the preservation, tecnológicos e a preservação, documentação e
documentation, and promotion of cultural promoção marcos culturais. O estudo recorre a
landmarks. The study employs a comprehensive uma revisão exaustiva literatura, analisando
literature review, analyzing recent scholarly trabalhos académicos recentes e estudos de casos
works and case studies to understand the para compreender o panorama evolução da
evolving landscape of digital heritage preservação do património digital. Os resultados
preservation. The results highlights the destacam os desafios multifacetados encontrados
multifaceted challenges encountered in the no processo de digitalização, incluindo questões
digitization process, including issues related to relacionadas a obsolescência digital, a
digital obsolescence, accessibility, copyright, acessibilidade, os direitos de autor, a segurança
data security, and resource constraints. dados e as limitações de recursos.
Simultaneously, it identifies opportunities where Simultaneamente, identifica oportunidades as
digital tools contribute significantly to the ferramentas digitais contribuem significativamente
documentation, archiving, and accessibility of para a documentação, o arquivo acessibilidade de
cultural artifacts, traditions, and languages. The artefactos culturais, tradições e línguas. Os

1
PhD in Pedagogical Science, Associate Professor, Department of Political and Cultural Studies, Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian
National University, Kyiv, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: DUW-4871-2022
2
Doctor of Science in Philosophy, Associate Professor, Professor, Department of Theory of Culture and Philosophy of Science, V.N.
Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: JPW-9996-2023
3
Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Educational and Scientific Institute of Architecture, Design
And Geodesy, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Chernihiv, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: F-4729-2016
4
PhD in History and Archeology, Assistant, Department of History, Jurisprudence and Teaching Method, Educational and Scientific
Institute of Philology and History, Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, Glukhiv, Sumy Region, Ukraine.
WoS Researcher ID: AAK-4786-2021
5
PhD in History, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism, Faculty of Agrotechnologies and Natural Resource Management,
Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine. WoS Researcher ID: AAD-1760-2021

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 Volume 13 - Issue 75 / March 2024 263

results suggest that, especially in the context of resultados sugerem que, especialmente no
Russian-Ukrainian war, digital initiatives play a contexto da guerra russo-ucraniana, as iniciativas
pivotal role in mitigating risks and ensuring the digitais desempenham um papel fundamental na
continued existence and appreciation of diverse atenuação dos riscos e na garantia da existência e
cultural legacies. The findings underscore the apreciação contínuas de diversos legados culturais.
intricate relationship between geopolitical events Concluise que a fusão da tecnologia com os
and the role of digital strategies in safeguarding esforços de preservação cultural não só resposta às
and showcasing cultural heritage globally. To ameaças imediatas, como também estabelece uma
sum up the fusion of technology and cultural abordagem orientada para o futuro, a fim de
preservation efforts not only addresses garantir a resiliência e a acessibilidade dos
immediate threats, but also provides a forward- tesouros culturais num mundo em evolução.
looking approach to ensuring the resilience and
accessibility of cultural treasures in an evolving Palavras-chave: Transformação digital,
world. documentação, artefactos culturais, acessibilidade,
preservação do património.
Keywords: Digital transformation,
documentation, cultural artifacts, accessibility,
heritage preservation.

Introduction

Research problem at consolidating progress in innovation is

actively unfolding within the contemporary
In an era defined by rapid technological scientific dialogue, as discussed by Trček (2022).
advancements and an increasingly This paradigm envisions technologies not merely
interconnected global society, the preservation of as standalone advancements but rather as integral
cultural heritage has become a paramount tools (Yatsenko, 2022). Within this conceptual
concern. The intersection of culture and framework, information assumes a synergistic
technology has given rise to a fascinating and role, fostering meaningful connections among
complex landscape known as digital heritage. As humans, society, nature, and technology
societies around the world grapple with the (Durmishi & Durmishi, 2022).
challenges of preserving their rich cultural
legacies, the integration of digital tools and Research focus
technologies presents both unprecedented
opportunities and unique obstacles. The advent of the digital age has introduced
innovative methods to document, archive, and
The concept of establishing a comprehensive share these cultural treasures. From digitizing
paradigm that unifies progress in innovation is ancient manuscripts and artefacts to creating
currently taking shape within the contemporary virtual museums and online archives, the digital
scientific discourse (Sofilkanych, 2022). realm opens up new avenues for the conservation
According to Maraieva (2022) this paradigm and dissemination of cultural heritage.
envisions technologies serving as tools, with
information playing a synergistic role that However, with these opportunities come
connects humans, society, nature, and challenges that demand careful consideration.
technology. In this envisioned framework, The digital landscape introduces concerns related
technological advancements are not merely to data security, accessibility, and the risk of
isolated developments but integral components, cultural commoditisation. Additionally, as
harmoniously interacting with information to communities strive to strike a balance between
create a symbiotic relationship among traditional preservation methods and cutting-
individuals, communities, the environment, and edge technologies, questions emerge about the
the tools themselves (Maraieva, 2022). authenticity and integrity of digitally preserved
Therefore, the integration of technology and cultural artefact.
information within this overarching paradigm
seeks to foster a holistic approach to progress, Reseaerch aim and research questions
emphasizing the interconnectedness and
interdependence of various elements in current The aim of this study is to explore the challenges
evolving societal and scientific landscape. The and opportunities inherent in the intersection of
realization of an encompassing paradigm aimed cultural preservation and digital heritage, with a

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focus on understanding how digital technologies throughout history. From a geographical

impact the safeguarding and dissemination of standpoint, cultural heritage emerges as a
cultural legacies. The circle of research questions formidable resource for preserving both natural
consists of the following aspects: and cultural diversity within the broader
ecological context (Kubiv et al., 2020; Bobro,
1. To investigate how digital technologies 2023). This form of heritage is foundational for
facilitate the conservation of cultural fostering the balanced development of both
heritage, delineating specific tasks that society and the biosphere. Within the semiotic
contribute to the effective transmission of perspective, cultural heritage is broadly
oral traditions, rituals, and folklore to future perceived as a collection of texts inherited by
generations. mankind. These encompass not only written
2. To explore how digital tools and works but also artistic creations, collectively
technologies contribute to the serving as a repository of cultural memory
documentation, archiving, and accessibility (Synowiec, 2021). In parallel, the term “digital
of cultural artefacts, traditions, and heritage” introduces a dual connotation. It can
languages, outlining specific tasks and refer to cultural heritage presented in digital form
methodologies employed. or signify the digitized (electronically formatted)
3. To investigate the primary challenges cultural heritage. Contemporary researchers have
encountered in digitally preserving cultural been intrigued by the issue of preserving cultural
heritage, examining issues related to heritage through the use of digital technologies.
authenticity, integrity, and the potential Current studies encompass various aspects of
commodification of cultural artefacts. cultural heritage preservation and accessibility,
leveraging digital technologies. Antoniazzi
Therefore, given the relevance of digitalization, (2020) addressed the challenges of digital
this study aims to clarify the challenges and preservation and sustainability in film heritage,
opportunities of cultural preservation and emphasizing the analysis of digital technology
heritage. The main challenges that require utilization for the longevity of cinematic
detailed analysis include copyright and heritage. However, this paper serves only as a
intellectual property issues, data security and theoretical framework, as the author did not
privacy concerns, standards and interoperability, provide detailed examples of local challenges.
and ethical considerations. Basic (2019) explored key aspects of utilizing
advanced technologies in the realm of cultural
Theoretical framework or literature review heritage. However, this study also has certain
limitations, in particular, the author approached
International experiences provide valuable this problem globally without focusing on
insights into the normative clarification of the specific examples. In the work of DA Costa &
cultural heritage concept, particularly within the Santos (2023), UNESCO's strategy for memory
realm of global intellectual discourse. This preservation in Ukraine through the Polycam
elucidation is closely intertwined with the mobile application was presented, analyzing the
conceptual generalizations found within impact of digital technologies on recording and
scientific disciplines of the humanitarian profile preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones.
(Marsili & Orlandi, 2020; Synowiec, 2021). The Dässler & Preuss (2019) described issues related
growing interest among researchers in the to digital preservation of cultural heritage,
intricate nuances of cultural heritage has not only focusing on small institutions, and characterized
stimulated a significant expansion of cognitive methods and strategies for ensuring accessibility
and axiological dimensions but has also and preservation of digital archives in smaller
heightened the urgency for constructive settings. Simultaneously, Ferrer-Yulfo (2022)
responses to fundamental questions. These focused on analyzing the use of digital
crucial inquiries delve into the identification of technologies for transforming museum education
elements that should be preserved and the through intangible cultural heritage. In a
methodologies for selecting cultural values comprehensive study, Fisher (2020) identified
deserving of protection. Diverse approaches to key challenges and strategies for preserving
understanding the essence of cultural heritage materials created in digital formats, with a
contribute to the construction of a nuanced and specific emphasis on copyright issues. Flierl &
multifaceted image of this concept (Shevchenko, Haspel (2022) described crucial contemporary
2020). The genetic approach posits cultural challenges and opportunities in the preservation
heritage as a paramount influence on national of world heritage, characterizing the impact of
self-awareness, self-identification, historical digital technologies on the understanding,
memory, and the evolution of human culture documentation, and preservation of objects

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within the global heritage context. The analyzed detail. Also, contemporary scholars have not paid
works collectively underline the vital role of much attention to analyzing the main difficulties
digital technologies in preserving and making of implementing digitalization in the field of
accessible various forms of cultural heritage. cultural heritage, which is the purpose of this
Researchers delve into challenges, strategies, and paper.
the transformative impact of digital tools,
emphasizing the significance of technological Methodology
advancements in safeguarding our diverse
cultural legacy (McHugh, 2023). However, the The study focuses on the intersection of cultural
main limitations of these studies are their general preservation and digital heritage, examining the
nature. Nevertheless, it is important to challenges and opportunities arising in the
comprehensively approach the problem and context of digitizing cultural heritage. The
characterize the main possibilities of digital phenomenon involves the digitization of various
technologies in the system of preservation of cultural elements, including artifacts, traditions,
cultural heritage and memory. Thus, the modern and linguistic resources, to explore the
literature raises the issue of mechanisms and multifaceted implications for preserving and
forms of digitalization of cultural heritage in disseminating cultural legacies (See Figure 1).
detail, but not all possibilities are covered in such

Data Collection

Syrvey data

Collection of materials

Document analysis

Data extraction

Figure 1. Research design

Source: Author’s development

Data collection and data analysis Open-ended questions allowed participants to

provide qualitative insights, while closed-ended
1. Survey data questions provided quantitative data for analysis.

Authors used the survey conducted by Adane, 2. Document analysis

Chekole & Gedamu (2019).
Materials examined:
Participants: the survey targeted professionals
engaged in cultural preservation within archive o The Comprehensive Report of the European
and tourism offices, as well as university Commission: Report on Cultural Heritage:
libraries. The participants were selected based on Digitisation, Online Accessibility and
their direct involvement in digitization processes Digital Preservation (European
and their perspectives on the challenges and Commission, 2019).
opportunities in preserving cultural heritage o Association Agreement between Ukraine
through digital means. and the European Union, emphasizing
cultural collaboration and cooperation
Data collection method (Muraviov, 2015).
o 2013 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers on
A structured survey questionnaire was the Strategy for the Development of the
distributed, covering aspects such as current Information Society in Ukraine (Law of
digitization practices, perceived challenges, Uktaine No. 386-р., 2013).
successful strategies, and future aspirations.

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o 2016 Decree on the Long-term Strategy for national legislation, or judicial decisions related
the Development of Ukrainian Culture – to the topic of interest. Similarly, instances of
Reform Strategy (Law of Uktaine No. 119, cultural collaboration identified through
р., 2016). references to partnerships between cultural
o Library Development Strategy until 2025, institutions, collaborative projects, or joint
approved in 2016. (Goverment of Lithuania, initiatives aimed at cultural preservation.
2016) Furthermore, the process of synthesis and
o The Slovenian Public Libraries comparison analysis involved systematically
Development Strategy 2022-2027 comparing data collected from surveys with
(Goverment of Slovenia, 2022). information extracted from legislative acts.
o The library development concept in the
Czech Republic between the years 2021- One of the main limitations of thematic coding is
2027, with prospect to 2030 (Goverment of its susceptibility to researcher bias. While the
Czech Republic, 2021). thematic coding approach used in this study
provides valuable insights into the data, it is
Data extraction: relevant information pertaining important to acknowledge its limitations in order
to digital cultural heritage preservation, to ensure that the interpretation of the findings is
legislative priorities, and strategic frameworks nuanced and comprehensive. Despite efforts to
was systematically extracted from the establish clear coding criteria, the interpretation
documents. of data and the allocation of codes can still be
influenced by the subjective perspective of the
Thematic coding: a thematic coding approach researcher. Such subjectivity can lead to
was employed to categorize and analyze the inconsistent or imprecise coding, which can
extracted data, identifying key themes such as affect the reliability and validity of the findings.
legal frameworks, cultural collaboration, and
strategies for digital preservation. Therefore, on Results and discussion
the basis of synthesis and comparison analysis,
process and compare data from the survey and The dynamic interplay between traditional and
data from legislative acts. This involved digital aspects adds a layer of complexity to the
systematically identifying key themes within the evolving landscape of cultural heritage
data, such as legal frameworks, cultural conservation. Therefore, digital technologies
collaboration, and strategies for digital play a pivotal role in facilitating the conservation
preservation. For instance, each piece of data was of cultural heritage by offering innovative tools
carefully examined and assigned to relevant and approaches that enhance documentation,
themes based on its content and context. For preservation, and dissemination efforts. Figure 1
instance, data pertaining to legal frameworks presents the main aspects of preserving cultural
included references to international conventions, heritage with the help of digital technologies.

Digital documentation and Virtual museums and Digital restoration and

archiving exhibitions conservation

Crowdsourcing and citizen Educational and outreach

Digital preservation standards
engagement initiatives

Figure 1. Several aspects of preserving cultural heritage with the help of digital technologies.
Source: author’s development

Hence, digital technologies enable the creation of for physical handling (Pandey & Kumar, 2020).
comprehensive databases and archives for As demonstrated in Figure 1 digital platforms
cultural artifacts, historical documents, and other provide opportunities to develop virtual
heritage items. High-resolution cameras, 3D museums and online exhibitions, allowing global
scanners, and advanced imaging techniques audiences to access cultural artifacts and exhibits
allow for detailed and accurate documentation. remotely. Moreover, digital tools aid in the
Authors believe that digital archiving ensures the restoration and conservation of artworks,
preservation of fragile or deteriorating materials artifacts, and historical sites (Anderson, 2013;
by creating electronic replicas, reducing the need Kuzheliev et al., 2023). Digital restoration

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 Volume 13 - Issue 75 / March 2024 267

techniques can repair damaged elements without collections related to cultural heritage. In
altering the original physical object. addition, digital technologies provide avenues
Conservationists use 3D printing and digital for educational programs and outreach
modeling to recreate missing or damaged parts of initiatives, offering virtual classrooms, online
cultural items, ensuring their integrity over time. courses, and interactive learning materials that
On the other hand, digital platforms facilitate promote cultural heritage awareness and
crowdsourcing initiatives, encouraging public appreciation (Dässler & Preuss, 2019). Hence,
participation in the identification, digital tools and technologies play a crucial role
documentation, and preservation of cultural in the documentation, archiving, and
heritage (Von Schorlemer, 2020). Therefore, accessibility of cultural artifacts, traditions, and
citizen engagement through social media and languages. By leveraging these digital tools,
online forums helps raise awareness, garner cultural heritage professionals, communities, and
support, and involve communities in the organizations can enhance their conservation
protection of their heritage. As demonstrated in efforts, ensuring the preservation and
Figure 1 digital preservation standards also have transmission of cultural richness to future
important role. Standardized digital preservation generations. Table 1 describes how digital tools
practices, including metadata standards and are used for cultural heritage preservation
digital storage protocols, ensure the long-term purpose.
accessibility and sustainability of digital

Table 1.
Ways of using digital tools for cultural heritage preservation

Digital documentation of cultural artifacts

Advanced cameras and imaging technologies capture high-resolution images
High-resolution imaging
of cultural artifacts, ensuring detailed documentation.
For three-dimensional objects, 3D scanning creates digital replicas,
3D scanning
preserving intricate details and allowing for virtual exploration.
Digital archiving of cultural materials
Cultural artefacts, historical documents, and multimedia materials are stored
Digital repositories
in digital repositories, creating centralized databases for efficient archiving.
Each artefact is accompanied by metadata, providing crucial contextual
Metadata tagging
information, such as origin, significance, and historical context.
Preservation of traditional practices and performances
Traditional music, dance, rituals, and performances are recorded using audio
Audio-visual recording
and video technologies to ensure accurate preservation.
Virtual reality and augmented reality These technologies offer immersive experiences.
Digital documentation of languages
Digital tools are employed to transcribe, record, and digitize endangered
Language digitization
languages, ensuring their preservation.
Machine translation and natural language processing
Machine translation tools contribute to the translation of cultural texts,
Translation tools
enabling broader accessibility.
Technologies analyze and interpret linguistic nuances, aiding in the
Natural language processing
documentation and analysis of languages.
Community engagement and crowdsourcing
Online platforms and social media encourage community participation in
Digital platforms documentation efforts, allowing individuals to contribute their knowledge,
stories and artefacts.
Communities contribute to the translation of texts, ensuring accuracy and
Crowdsourced translation
cultural sensitivity.
Geospatial technologies for cultural heritage sites
Geographic information systems (GIS) GIS map cultural heritage sites, aiding in their documentation, conservation
mapping planning, and monitoring
Mobile apps with geolocation features provide virtual tours and information
Location-based apps
about cultural heritage sites.
Accessibility through online exhibitions and virtual museums
Digital tools enable the creation of virtual exhibitions, making cultural
Virtual exhibitions
artifacts and traditions accessible to a global audience.
Institutions create digital collections, allowing users to explore and learn
Online collections
about cultural heritage items from anywhere in the world.
Source: Author’s development.

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 268

In a comprehensive survey conducted by Adane, & Gedamu, 2019). This aspect underscores the
Chekole & Gedamu (2019) within the spheres of evolving landscape of cultural heritage
archive and tourism offices, as well as university experiences, emphasizing the potential of digital
libraries, participants were actively engaged in initiatives to enhance accessibility and audience
providing valuable insights into the multifaceted engagement. In summary, the survey results not
opportunities associated with the digitization of only reaffirm the positive perceptions
cultural heritage. Respondents were particularly surrounding the opportunities presented by
vocal about the positive impact of digitization on cultural heritage digitization but also shed light
cultural heritage promotion. A substantial on the varied ways in which digitization
majority, totaling 96% conveyed a unanimous contributes to cultural heritage promotion,
and favorable perspective, highlighting the preservation, employment generation, research
potential for digital platforms to effectively advancement, and online engagement.
promote and showcase cultural heritage. The
survey also delved into the crucial aspect of At the same time, the contemporary milieu
digitization in cultural heritage preservation. The marked by the ubiquity of digital technologies,
findings revealed that 54% of respondents the preservation of cultural heritage encounters a
expressed a resounding “strongly Agree” confluence of challenges and opportunities at the
sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of intersection of tradition and technological
digitization in safeguarding cultural heritage. evolution. The paradigm shift towards digital
Additionally, 42% of participants acknowledged heritage entails not merely the digitization of
with the importance of digitization in preserving tangible artifacts but also engenders intricate
rich cultural legacy (Adane, Chekole & Gedamu, complications pertaining to their enduring
2019). conservation, equitable accessibility, and
ethically sound representation in the digital
One noteworthy revelation from the survey domain (Hurska & Parshyn, 2023; Prykhodko,
pertained to job opportunities for the youth 2019). This discourse delves into the nuanced
generated through cultural heritage digitization. challenges inherent in the amalgamation of
A significant 32% “strongly Agreed”, indicating cultural preservation and digital heritage,
a strong consensus on the positive impact of dissecting intricacies such as digital
digitization in creating employment obsolescence, inclusivity metrics, copyright
opportunities for the younger generation (Adane, complexities, and the ethical underpinnings of
Chekole & Gedamu, 2019). The survey digital representations. By scrutinizing these
participants also weighed in on the role of challenges through a scientific lens, it is better to
cultural heritage digitization in enhancing seek to elucidate the imperative for an
research works. 48% agreed that digitization interdisciplinary and pioneering approach to
significantly contributes to research endeavors, ensure the perpetuity of diverse cultural legacies
while an additional 36% agreed, reflecting the in the digital epoch. Preserving cultural heritage
widespread acknowledgment of the positive in the digital age presents numerous challenges,
correlation between digitization and scholarly as the intersection of traditional cultural
pursuits within the cultural heritage domain. preservation and the rapidly evolving digital
Furthermore, the survey brought to light the landscape introduces both opportunities and
impact of cultural heritage digitization on online risks. Scientists remarked some key challenges
visits and online selling. A majority of 44% of associated with cultural preservation and digital
participants recognized the role of digitization in heritage (See Table 2).
promoting online engagement (Adane, Chekole

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Table 2.
Important challenges of cultural preservation in the digital heritage

Challenge Characteristic
Digital reproduction and dissemination of cultural artifacts often involve
Copyright and intellectual property complex copyright and intellectual property considerations. Striking a
issues balance between protecting creators' rights and facilitating broader access
to cultural heritage materials is a continual challenge.
The digitization of cultural artifacts raises concerns about the security and
privacy of sensitive information. Safeguarding digital heritage from
Data security and privacy concerns
unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats is paramount to
maintaining trust and integrity.
Preserving digital heritage requires significant financial and human
Resource constraints resources. Many cultural institutions, especially smaller ones, may struggle
to allocate sufficient funds and expertise for digital preservation initiatives.
Lack of standardized practices for digitization and metadata creation can
hinder interoperability between different cultural heritage databases.
Standards and interoperability
Establishing common standards is essential for seamless sharing and
integration of digital heritage materials.
Unlike physical artifacts, digital materials may require ongoing
Digital conservation and restoration conservation efforts due to format degradation, software dependencies, and
challenges other technical issues. Digital restoration practices need to be developed
and refined to ensure the longevity of digital cultural heritage.
Digitization raises ethical questions, such as the appropriate use of cultural
artifacts and the potential for misrepresentation or misuse. Establishing
Ethical considerations
ethical guidelines and involving communities in decision-making processes
is crucial to address these concerns.
Digitization efforts must be conducted with cultural sensitivity to avoid
Cultural sensitivity and misappropriation or distortion of cultural narratives. Ensuring accurate
representation representation and involvement of communities in the digitization process
is vital.
Cultural heritage is often shared across borders, and effective preservation
Global collaboration and requires international collaboration. Coordinating efforts, sharing best
coordination practices, and addressing challenges on a global scale are essential for the
comprehensive preservation of digital heritage.
Source: Author’s investigation on the basis of Synowiec (2021); Skakun (2022).

Digitization of cultural monuments has become advancing the virtual space for cultural heritage
an important issue for European countries. In are delineated in the Program of Digital Cultural
particular, separate models of its implementation Heritage Actualization and Preservation for the
are introduced centrally - at the international and period 2015-2020 (Goverment of Lithuania,
national levels. The “Comprehensive Report” of 2016).
European Union covering the period 2015-2017
reveals that a significant proportion of Member The experience of Ukraine is also very important
States of EU have formulated their respective for understanding of cultural preservation and
National Digitization Strategies. Specifically, 19 digital heritage challenges. Ukraine currently
out of 28 Member States (at that time, lacks a comprehensive digitalization strategy,
considering the UK as part of the EU) have although the legislative groundwork for its
established these strategies, with the majority formulation is evident. The surge in European
operating under the central coordination of the integration initiatives, particularly following the
pertinent ministry or ministries (European signing of the “Association Agreement between
Commission, 2019). Additionally, 17 out of 28 Ukraine and the European Union” in 2014,
Member States have instituted national funding emphasizes cultural collaboration in Chapter 24
programs to support digitization initiatives. It is (Muraviov, 2015). This chapter outlines a
noteworthy that certain countries integrate their commitment to enhance cooperation in the
national strategies for the digitization of cultural cultural sphere, promoting mutual
heritage within broader national digital programs understanding, cultural exchanges, and the
(Goverment of Slovenia, 2022). For instance, in mobility of artistic entities between Ukraine and
Lithuania, digitalization constitutes a component the EU. Remarkably, an examination of the
of the Digital Agenda for the Republic of analytical reports on the EU-Ukraine Agreement
Lithuania. The primary domains of focus for Implementation for 2019 reveals a notable

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 270

absence of information concerning cultural The obtained results underscore the importance
cooperation, specifically in the digitization of and effectiveness of utilizing digital tools and
cultural heritage (Prykhodko, 2019). It becomes technologies in documenting, archiving, and
apparent that, within the spectrum of Ukraine-EU providing access to cultural artifacts, traditions,
integration issues, cultural integration receives and languages. Specifically, the results affirm the
insufficient attention. Despite this, Ukraine has efficiency of documentation, highlighting that
laid the foundation for a potential national high-quality images and 3D scanning enable
digitization strategy through various legislative detailed and accurate documentation of cultural
documents. Noteworthy among these are the artifacts. Simultaneously, the use of digital
2013 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers, which repositories and metadata contributes to the
approves the “Strategy for the Development of systematic and efficient archiving of materials.
the Information Society in Ukraine,” Furthermore, the results emphasize that audio
emphasizing E-culture development (Law of and video recordings facilitate the preservation
Uktaine No. 386-р., 2013). Additionally, the of traditional musical, dance, and ritual
2016 Decree on the “Long-term Strategy for the performances. The incorporation of virtual
Development of Ukrainian Culture – Reform reality and augmented reality ensures an
Strategy” prioritizes the preservation of cultural immersive experience in participating in
and spiritual heritage (Law of Uktaine No. 119, traditional events. These findings align with
р., 2016). The Library Development Strategy contemporary scholarly works (Pandey, &
until 2025, approved in 2016, further underscores Kumar, 2020; Shiri et al., 2021). For instance,
the commitment to preserving Ukrainian cultural Karle & Carman (2020) elucidate how a digital
heritage within library resources, treating them as heritage project can impact the research and
integral components of the global cultural interpretation of large-scale rural cultural
heritage (Prykhodko, 2019). These legislative landscapes, emphasizing the critical importance
measures provide a basis for Ukraine to advance of wide-scale documentation methods for
its digitalization endeavors in the cultural sphere. advancing preservation initiatives.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 However, the obtained results somewhat
significantly altered the approach towards contradict the assertions of Mohd Herrow &
digitizing cultural heritage in the country. This Azraai (2021), who emphasize the
war heightened all aspects of national security, interconnectedness of culture and heritage. There
including the preservation and protection of are points of divergence or areas for further
cultural heritage. Firstly, the Russian aggression discussion, particularly regarding the broad
necessitated the implementation of effective characterization of culture, focusing solely on
measures to preserve cultural artifacts, as ethical actions, values, creativity, knowledge,
conflict-ridden areas faced the risk of destructive traditions, and beliefs. Additionally, the study
impact. This underscored the need to utilize challenges the notion presented by Mohd Herrow
digital technologies for creating virtual copies of & Azraai (2021) that cultural heritage is a legacy
valuable objects and documenting their condition not only of each nation but also of humanity as a
for future restoration. Secondly, due to the risk of whole, asserting that certain elements may be
losing parts of the cultural heritage through culturally specific rather than universal.
conflict and occupation, Ukraine expressed
increased interest in detailed documentation and In the results, it is evident that the Russian
preservation of these treasures. This requires the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has left a profound
use of modern technologies for digital cataloging mark on the strategies and priorities associated
and archiving of cultural landmarks. Thirdly, the with digitizing cultural heritage in the country.
role of digital technologies proved crucial in The war’s far-reaching implications have
studying and popularizing Ukrainian culture as a reverberated across various aspects of national
means of resistance to identity suppression and security, with a heightened emphasis on the
historical aggression. Digital media and online critical need for the preservation and protection
platforms enable a wide audience to explore and of Ukraine's rich cultural legacy. As a response
appreciate Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, to the increased risk of destructive impact on
serving as an important tool for informing and conflict-affected areas, the adoption of digital
highlighting the context of the conflict. Thus, the technologies has become a pressing necessity.
Russian invasion prompted not only changes in This involves the creation of virtual copies of
the security of cultural heritage but also an valuable cultural artifacts and meticulous
intensified use of digital technologies for the documentation of their condition, laying the
preservation, documentation, and promotion of foundation for future restoration efforts.
Ukraine's cultural landmarks. Additionally, the heightened risk of losing parts

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of the cultural heritage through conflict and

occupation has spurred a surge in interest in Furthermore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in
detailed documentation and preservation 2022 significantly impacted the approach
measures. To meet these challenges, modern towards digitizing cultural heritage in the
technologies play a pivotal role in the digital country. The conflict heightened concerns for the
cataloging and archiving of cultural landmarks, preservation and protection of cultural artifacts in
ensuring their safeguarding for future conflict-ridden areas, necessitating the
generations. The results also confirm the implementation of effective measures. The use of
existence of numerous challenges in the path of digital technologies became crucial in creating
digitizing cultural heritage, such as digital virtual copies of valuable objects and
obsolescence, accessibility and inclusivity, documenting their condition for future
copyright and intellectual property issues, data restoration. Importantly, digital technologies
security and privacy concerns, resource played a pivotal role in studying and promoting
constraints, digital conservation and restoration Ukrainian culture as a means of resistance to
challenges, and ethical considerations. identity suppression and historical aggression.
Thus, the Russian invasion not only brought
Meanwhile, Adane, Chekole, Gedamu's (2019) about changes in the security of cultural heritage
work lists other challenges, particularly but also intensified the use of digital technologies
emphasizing cultural heritage accessibility and for the preservation, documentation, and
promotion and preservation. However, the study promotion of Ukraine’s cultural landmarks.
does not explore external factors contributing to Despite certain limitations, such as a focus on
these challenges, such as broader economic recent literature and an emphasis on Ukrainian
conditions, technological infrastructure, or and English language sources, the study provides
governmental support. a robust contribution to scholarly discourse by
identifying new challenges and opportunities in
Furthermore, the study challenges some developing cultural heritage through digital
perspectives presented by Von Schorlemer technologies. Therefore, future research should
(2020), questioning the subjective nature of the focus on a global study rather than on regional
concept of a “fair balance” between the rights of areas of cultural digitalisation.
creators and the public's right to access digital
heritage materials, especially in the context of Bibliographic references
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