This book on cultural heritage uses several points of view. Included are theories on cultural heritage preservation such as the cult of ancient monuments, our history and the economic value of cultural heritage preservation. A diagnostic evaluation is suggested through an integrated multidisciplinary approach, making use of quantitative and reliable data. This diagnosis helps in understanding the new properties of decayed wood and, in perspective, lets us classify the material according to its level of decay for better conservation. Also, the problems of global warming, rising seas, and coastal erosion on the conservation of archaeological, historical, and other types of tangible cultural heritage sites located along the world's coastlines, are described. Frank R Thomas, using a case study from Micronesia (Kiribati), argues that tangible cultural heritage should not be limited to strengthening cultural identity in a rapidly globalised world, but could also serve as a benchmark in providing long-term perspectives on environmental change, biodiversity conservation and local opportunities for heritage tourism.