There are many ways to protect and conserve cultural heritage, such as identifying, documenting, and preserving it. Ideally, cultural heritage protection should be a multidisciplinary activity, and methodologies should be globally applicable. For example, cultural heritage covers a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and environmental studies. In addressing resource management and protection issues, it is critical to acknowledge differences and legitimize conflicts. Here are a few ways to protect cultural heritage:
The concept of cultural heritage encompasses both natural and human-made objects. It can refer to the beauty, history, or scientific value of an object. It can also refer to the testimony of a civilization that has long since ceased to exist or the culture that created it. A cultural heritage can include anything from ancient sculptures to the favorite Mexican dish. It can be a combination of both. If it has meaning to a culture, it is cultural heritage.
The concept of cultural heritage evolved over centuries of evolution. The concept grew out of a complex historical process where different values were attached to various cultural objects. This led to declarations that these objects were of “outstanding universal value” or belonged to “humanity.” The concept of cultural heritage evolved from the realization that each object represents a unique cultural identity and its natural surroundings. It also became apparent that cultural heritage is rooted in the natural environment, and therefore, preservation of these items is essential for ensuring the continuation of human culture.
In addressing the topic of cultural heritage, common themes are often found. The tension between universalism and cultural specificity is evident. On the one hand, the value of cultural heritage is universal for all people, while at the same time, the rights of specific groups are often subject to nationalist claims. The relationship between cultural groups and the distribution of power is also a key point. The UNESCO World Heritage Convention addresses this issue. And it emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage to a society’s identity and social cohesion.
While knowledge aspires to be freely accessible to all, the flow of knowledge can be restricted to protect vulnerable indigenous groups. Usually, indigenous claims relate to participation rather than control and excludability. Fortunately, alternative property models do not imply the ownership of all rights to intangible heritage. Similarly, many objections to cultural property as intangible heritage extend beyond the discourse on cultural property. The debate over intangible heritage has led to a series of controversies.
As more people become aware of and value their cultural heritage, local governments are taking action to protect it. Through various cultural heritage protection programs, San Francisco has become a cultural hub for Japanese Americans. In fact, the JCCCNC is launching a cultural heritage photo contest to encourage the public to share their culture through photographs. They hope to promote the preservation and promotion of the Japanese American community. And the Nikkei Photo Contest is just one example of how locals are celebrating and preserving their cultural heritage.
Often, heritage is defined as the accumulation of material values from the past. The use of cultural heritage by communities is an integral part of its definition. However, this has opened new avenues for critique and reinterpretation. Some intangible heritage practices will lose their significance over time. In such instances, a cultural heritage policy should emphasize the stewardship of living heritage. These efforts should not only preserve and protect intangible cultural heritage, but also enhance it in the present.
The ESPS also requires borrowers to protect and maintain cultural heritage by establishing specific requirements for its protection. Such practices should also be consistent with national legislation and other regulations. Lastly, a cultural heritage policy should also be based on the needs of local communities. A community’s needs are its best tool for determining the proper use of its heritage. If the culture is cherished and preserved, it will contribute to society’s quality of life.
While the discussion of cultural heritage focuses on physical heritage, there are many other types of cultural property that are also important. Cultural heritage can be intangible, meaning that it involves stories, songs, traditions, and other forms of cultural property. The latter category poses further questions regarding the concept of cultural property. If cultural property can be considered a collective property, then it is an integral part of a people’s identity. The U.S. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is one example.