PHYSICAL PLANNING IMPLICATIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE SITES: A FOCUS ON OSUN GROVE, OSOGBO, NIGERIA

Abstract

Heritage properties, especially the immovable ones, provide opportunities for economic and social development within the area concerned. But these sites are faced with numerous challenges such as funding, inadequate professionals, environmental degradation, the push for development and modernization, political and economic pressures and lack of adequate awareness on the importance of these heritage properties. This research therefore tried to address some of these challenges by conducting a study into the physical planning implications of the management of cultural landscapes with Osun Grove as a case study. Issues that have to do with the grove in its settings, legislative and planning provisions, technical and management tools as well as visitors satisfaction with visitors facilities and key physical planning attributes were looked into. Survey designed method was adopted for the research. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from 304 tourists and 210 non-tourists, while interview guide was used to elicit information from other population relevant to the study. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools like frequency table, mean, principal component analysis and chi-square. The study revealed that the Grove is adequately protected by both national legislations and international regulations but not managed as an integral part of its near and larger settings. The Grove lacks a Physical Development Plan and the physical planning institution in Osun State does not have an Action Plan for the grove neighbourhood. Furthermore, enough attention has not been giving to visitor facilities provision and maintenance. A high level of visitor satisfaction was observed on site conservation, site presentation and accessibility but their perceived satisfaction in visitor facilities and site identification was not met and there was disparity in the overall genders satisfaction to some of the key physical planning attributes of the cultural landscape. To address these challenges, it was recommended that the formation of Conservation Management Plan Implementation Committee, preparation of Site Physical Development Plan, preparation of Site Neighbourhood Plan, provision of visitor’s facilities, implementation of the provisions of the Nigeria Urban and Regional planning law and collaboration among Various Stakeholders be done.