Cultural heritage encompasses a broad range of items that are considered important to a culture, including historical buildings and sites, works of art, music, dance, languages, cuisine, spiritual beliefs, social customs, cosmological belief systems, etiquette and more. A strong sense of cultural heritage is a vital component of identity and belonging, and can serve as a catalyst for economic growth. But there are some key challenges when it comes to preserving culture.
Many different values are attributed to heritage assets, and these can be split into two categories: tangible and intangible. The most common definition of tangible heritage is comprised of monuments, architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, and combinations thereof that are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science. The intangible aspect of heritage is more difficult to define, but it can include social customs, religious traditions, knowledge and practices concerning the natural environment, and cosmological beliefs and rites.
Intangible heritage is often more challenging to preserve, because it cannot be physically protected. It can be affected by globalisation, environmental changes and conflicts or disasters. For example, cultural heritage can be affected by climate change through increased erosion and flooding of historic cities or regions, or by armed conflict that causes destruction or looting of cultural sites. In addition, rapid urbanisation can destroy historic neighborhoods and sites, and the loss of language and other intangible cultural heritage can have a devastating impact on communities.
While protecting cultural heritage is a vital goal, it must be balanced with the need for people to develop their own identities and cultures, even if those cultures are not identical to other cultures. For example, a person who feels a deep connection to their family and community may not want to live every aspect of their culture, and should have the courage to let go of negative or harmful traditions and beliefs if they are not serving them. On the other hand, it is also important to have pride in one’s own cultural heritage, and to celebrate and respect it.
In the context of sustainable development, cultural heritage is increasingly recognised as a valuable resource with significant socioeconomic benefits. This is reflected in a growing number of policy initiatives and programmes at the national and international level. This article analyses the implementation of three heritage for development projects funded through the ‘Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund’, implemented by UNESCO with other United Nations organisations and local partners in Middle East and North Africa between 2008 and 2013. It sheds light on multifaceted aspects of heritage for development by exploring key achievements as well as common pitfalls. The article is based on the analysis of documentary and field evidence. It uses a multidisciplinary approach and draws on the fields of humanities, development studies, history and environment.