Dr Julian Jansen van Rensberg
Dr Julian Jansen van Rensburg is a heritage specialist with over 20 years’ experience directing archaeological and cultural heritage projects across the Middle East and Europe. His interdisciplinary work spans cultural heritage management, rock art, ethnography, and terrestrial and maritime archaeological practice with a particular focus on the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and Indian Ocean regions.
Julian has collaborated with leading global institutions including National Geographic, the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, and the World Monuments Fund. He also serves as an Expert Member on the ICOMOS International Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM) and the International Scientific Committee on Rock Art (ISC-CAR). He is also a Trustee of the International Association for the Study of Arabia (IASA), and Chair of the Society for Red Sea Studies.
His research explores the intersections of cultural and natural heritage, particularly in the context of climate change, intangible heritage, and local community engagement. His work on Soqotra and throughout the Middle East aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue between heritage professionals to support conservation and sustainable development. He is passionate about capacity building through training, advocacy, and education, recognising heritage as a dynamic expression of community identity, memory, and value.
Julian’s interests include:
- Integrating cultural and natural heritage knowledge to better understand and respond to climate and environmental change.
- Developing comprehensive site protection management plans that protect both cultural and natural heritage.
- Remote sensing for archaeological landscape analysis, especially water and agricultural systems.
- Rock art as a lens for understanding space, place, and landscape.