Cultural heritage is a collective identity that unites the people of a nation or community. It is comprised of the tangible and intangible expressions of a culture’s values, beliefs, and traditions. This cultural heritage encapsulates historic places, monuments, artifacts, and landscapes and includes oral histories and traditional languages.
It is a vital source of a people’s sense of self and identity, which is why protecting it is crucial. Nevertheless, protecting cultural heritage presents a number of challenges. These challenges are complex and interconnected, and they are as much legal as they are cultural. This makes them “socio-legal” in nature and make them unique.
One such challenge is how to define and protect cultural heritage. The definition of cultural heritage has evolved over time, reflecting different philosophies and values. Historically, cultural heritage was viewed as something of universal value that belongs to humanity, resulting in phrases like “cultural patrimony” and “cultural property” (UNESCO: 2003). More recently, it has become more community-driven and focused on preservation for future generations.
The definition of cultural heritage is also complicated by the fact that what a person or organization designates as part of their own cultural heritage can vary greatly depending on sociological factors like privilege/marginalization, education, and personal identity. Moreover, cultural heritage is constantly in flux and the way it is perceived and valued is dependent on the current social and political climate.
Another challenge is how to balance the protection of cultural heritage with modernization and development. Sustainable preservation practices such as adaptive reuse, eco-friendly restoration, and community-driven upkeep are a good way to preserve cultural sites while still being open to visitors. In addition, technology can provide innovative solutions for some of the biggest threats to cultural heritage, such as urban encroachment and climate change.
International legal frameworks are in place to protect cultural heritage, but their effectiveness is often dependent on enforcement, public awareness, and government priorities. This is why it’s so important to support programs that promote heritage awareness and protect historic sites and communities. Unfortunately, many of these programmes are under threat due to budget cuts.
Protecting cultural heritage requires a holistic approach that considers the entire human experience. This is why we are dedicated to preserving cultural heritage for the next generation. By deciphering historical documents, digitizing them, and making them available to the public, we are helping to ensure that the stories of past cultures live on in the future. In doing so, we are enabling new generations to understand the past and learn from its lessons. This helps them to create a better future for themselves, their families, and the world. We hope that you join us in our efforts to keep preserving and sharing cultural heritage around the world! You can do your part by supporting Transkribus’ mission today. Click here to donate. The East-West Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that supports international peace and security through research and exchange. We are funded by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.