Ownership and Benefits of Heritage

Course description

An increasingly relevant answer can be given to the well-known question, ‘who owns the past?’, and that is that we, as society, all do. Although large numbers of experts and lobbyists press for sustainability in heritage, it is the general public who arguably hold the biggest stake to both ‘own’ the past and benefit from it. This module explores these ideas and the deep relationship between heritage and the public.

The Burbunak eta etsayak - when nature retrieves language case study aims to present the Burbunak eta Etsayak project, which is a local initiative combining cultural and natural heritage through restoring neglected parts of Basque language through the mapping of fauna and flora.

The Co-ownership and shared responsibility in archaeological heritage management: Fondazione Archaeologica Canosina cas study presents a foundation born from private citizens' initiative to give value to local history that allowed the setting-up of a national museum

The ‘Vanishing’ as a way of reviving heritage and the past. A case-study of Miedzianka village in the Lower Silesia, Poland case study presents how the processes connected to destruction and ruination of heritage may result in reviving of the regional past. We also show the ways of social engagement in heritage preservation and promotion and its impact on the economic and cultural development of the region.

The goal of the Via Algarviana - linking natural and cultural heritage to sustainable tourism case study is to show an example of a project that promotes small-scale tourism linking natural and cultural heritage for local residents of rural villages, in order to enhance their quality of life and sustainable development of the local community.

The Ownership and Benefits Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Social Inclusion case study details National Parks Wales’ landscape-oriented social inclusion aims, and the successful creation of ownership and stewardship amongst young people, disabled people, and blind people in the landscapes of the three Welsh National Parks.

The Hondsrug Geopark case study focuses on the developing Hondsrug Geopark, highlighting the importance of participation via local partners and touristic endeavours for natural, cultural, and economic sustainability in the region.

Prerequisites