Proposal for a Capacity Building Model in Cultural Heritage ODA: A Case Study of Photogrammetry Training for Gandhara Heritage Documentation

Abstract

This study proposes and validates an effective digital documentation capacity-building model tailored for developing countries, based on an in-depth analysis of the 'Cultural Heritage Photogrammetry Capacity Building Program' in Pakistan from 2022 to 2025. We adopted a field-oriented, action-learning approach, incorporating a Training of Trainers component and considering the unique characteristics of the recipient organization and trainees. This systematic approach, encompassing technology introduction, acquisition, application, and internalization, successfully integrated digital techniques into the recipient country's existing workflows, significantly boosting efficiency. A notable achievement was the trainees' journey to technical self-reliance, culminating in their transition to 'educators.' This, coupled with the active engagement of recipient country managers, spurred the Pakistani Government to independently pursue digital documentation initiatives. While this model is a pioneering proposal specific to Pakistan, its demonstrated success through a customized, field-centric approach highlights its potential for broader application and adaptation in diverse contexts. We anticipate this research will serve as a crucial reference, contributing to sustainable capacity building and dissemination models in cultural heritage international development cooperation.