Heritage is the accumulated cultural identity of societies that reflects their values, beliefs, and ways of life. It can be material or immaterial and ranges from the built environment – such as tile panels integrated into buildings and altarpieces in churches – to art, music, and theories of science and philosophy. It also includes social and religious practices, language, and knowledge passed down by oral traditions and other forms of communication. The concept of cultural heritage continues to evolve as a result of changing world events and societies’ attitudes towards tradition, the past, and what we consider important in our lives.
What is considered to be part of a culture can vary greatly from one individual to the next depending on personal experiences, education, privilege/marginalization, and cultural contexts. It can also change over time, influenced by events like political transitions, war and conflict, or the changing value of certain aspects of a society.
When a heritage item is threatened by loss, destruction or neglect, it becomes a matter of preservation. This process involves identifying the object’s value, determining how to preserve it (consolidation, reproduction, restoration), and implementing conservation measures. It may also include making it accessible to the public in a way that respects its cultural significance.
Preserving cultural heritage is a responsibility shared by communities, governments, and international organizations. This requires a holistic approach, which includes cultural, environmental and economic considerations. This enables a more sustainable and balanced approach to heritage protection.
As the ability to travel across the globe increases, so too does interest in learning about the cultural heritage of different countries and peoples. This is often referred to as heritage tourism, and it can play an important role in promoting sustainability of cultural heritage, including monuments, languages, traditional practices, and more.
A critical perspective on heritage can help shape an inclusive society where everyone is welcome and has a right to identify with their heritage. However, this is only possible when the utilisation of heritage as a historical source in education is accompanied by the promotion of critical thinking and research skills.
The study of cultural heritage is not only important to the development of a more culturally rich and diverse world, but it can also be used as a tool for understanding the causes and consequences of current issues and finding solutions. The UNESCO website has many resources for those interested in learning more about heritage and its importance to humanity. You can start by exploring their collection of essays and articles, which explore everything from the cultural impact of tourism to the use of drones in preserving archaeological sites.