Heritage is something that binds generations and provides a sense of belonging. It can be both tangible (art, historical monuments and buildings, archaeological sites) and intangible (oral traditions, community bonds and language).
In addition to its value as a way of life and identity, cultural heritage has a great economic potential. It drives tourism and fosters development in the local communities that manage it. It also contributes to regional development and social cohesion. It is therefore crucial to protect it.
The preservation of cultural heritage requires a holistic approach that encompasses both the natural and human dimension. It is a complex and interconnected process with many different stakeholders and interests. It is important to identify and consider the values, interests and opinions of each stakeholder, as these will influence how a site or activity is defined as cultural heritage.
Identifying what is considered cultural heritage may seem daunting at first, but it’s easier than you might think. Start by looking at your background and what makes you unique. Are you from a particular ethnicity, religion or family line? Are there any traditions passed down that you’ve kept up? Maybe you’ve always worn a certain colour or only drink at a specific time of the year. Even small things like this can be part of your cultural heritage!
Intangible cultural heritage can be a challenge to preserve as it is not visible. However, it is equally important. In fact, it is a key element of cultural diversity and social cohesion, and it plays an essential role in the sustainability of tourism and regional development. It is also the source of a sense of place, which is essential for tourists and citizens alike.
The loss of cultural heritage due to war, natural disasters or even poor maintenance is a major concern. UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention provides the legal framework for protecting cultural heritage from damage and loss and promoting its management, but in reality, the protection of cultural heritage is far from simple.
One of the biggest challenges is to encourage local communities to take responsibility for their own cultural heritage. This can be a difficult task, as some local communities may not see the importance of their culture or may perceive it as “backward” and an obstacle to their access to modern society and economic wealth. It is therefore essential to understand what drives and motivates tourism and citizens to support the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Another challenge is ensuring that there are enough qualified professionals to manage the cultural heritage. In order to address this challenge, it is necessary to develop a new model for knowledge production and dissemination that allows for a more horizontal, interdisciplinary exchange of experts across geographical regions, socio-economic environments and cultures. A possible solution is the creation of a shared open-source conservation encyclopedia which could facilitate this exchange. It could help to reduce the UNESCO-called “information gap” and contribute to an equitable and sustainable sharing of international scientific knowledge.