Cultural heritage is embodied in art and historic buildings, archaeological sites, museums and collections. It can also be found in the lives of contemporary communities.
Benign neglect, devastating accidents and major natural disasters all threaten cultural heritage. The Smithsonian helps develop policy and techniques to stabilize heritage in peril.
This paper reflects on how harnessing cultural heritage can support global challenges like poverty alleviation in marginalised populations (economic dimension), gender equality and environmental sustainability. It examines three heritage for development projects implemented in the Middle East and North Africa.
What is cultural heritage?
Cultural heritage includes the values, traditions, and history of a particular culture. It is an important part of identity and connects people to their ancestors. It is also a source of pride and can help with community development and tourism. However, the definition of cultural heritage can vary depending on individual interpretation and context. Cultural heritage can include art, historical monuments and buildings, archaeological sites, and more. It can also include natural heritage, which is comprised of flora and fauna as well as natural landscapes and landforms.
When it comes to preserving cultural heritage, it is important to remember that not all aspects of culture are positive or healthy. For example, if a family has negative or harmful traditions that are based on abuse or false beliefs, it is okay to let them go. However, the good news is that you can create new traditions that communicate values that are more aligned with your own.
What is the definition of cultural heritage?
Cultural heritage is anything that has been passed down from generation to generation. It can be tangible, such as heirlooms or locations, or intangible, like values and traditions. It can also be found in the work of artists, such as paintings or a type of music.
The concept of cultural heritage developed over time and is based on historically changing value systems. It is influenced by many factors, including the transitions of governments, social changes, war and conflict, and marginalization.
The definition of cultural heritage is also a very broad one and can include both natural and built heritage. It can even be an idea, such as a philosophy or religion. What an official entity (like a government, museum or scholarly organization) designates as cultural heritage can vary widely depending on political, economic and religious influences, and personal bias. However, it’s important to remember that cultural heritage is not a set of rules that must be followed. Be the brave one in your family to let go of negative/harmful traditions or beliefs.
What is the purpose of cultural heritage?
Cultural heritage is a central part of identity for individuals and can increase feelings of belongingness. It also preserves history and culture for future generations. Furthermore, it can be a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs looking to tap into different consumer markets.
Intangible cultural heritage encompasses traditions, social practices, traditional craftsmanship and representations that have been passed on from generation to generation within a community. This includes everything from the tango, flamenco and carnivals of Brazil to Viennese coffee house culture, Azerbaijani carpet weaving traditions, Chinese shadow puppetry, Kabuki theatre, and Vedic chanting.
It’s important to protect cultural heritage from threats like climate change, unsustainable tourism and war. Additionally, laws and regulations are vital in protecting artifacts and sites. Furthermore, organizations such as UNESCO work to protect cultural heritage from damage and help communities restore their damaged treasures. Cultural heritage is also a core component of many EU policies and programs including research, innovation, education, digital, environment, and climate change.
What is the impact of cultural heritage?
Whether tangible or intangible, cultural heritage is a legacy left behind by past generations. It has a special significance for groups and societies which attach values to these artifacts and traditions.
Despite this, the preservation of cultural heritage is not always easy. It faces several challenges including inadequate funding, lack of expert knowledge and societal apathy towards culture [1].
Furthermore, cultural heritage is often contested by members of the community. It is therefore essential to ensure that the cultural heritage of a community is preserved for all to enjoy. This includes letting go of negative, harmful or degrading traditions and beliefs that don’t align with truth or what is right.
In addition, it is also crucial to include cultural heritage in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and development contexts that require social and cultural assessment. This will improve the protection of cultural World Heritage properties and the implementation of the sustainable development concept. Moreover, an inventory of cultural heritage is a crucial first step in the conservation process.