Cultural heritage is the legacy of tangible and intangible attributes inherited by groups or societies from their past that are of value for them in the present. It encompasses a broad range of monuments and landscapes, works of art, archaeological sites, and other heritage objects. Cultural heritage also includes the traditional knowledge and beliefs that are handed down from generation to generation, as well as the skills to make use of these heritage items.
A variety of human rights norms have shaped the debate on cultural heritage and how it should be protected. In addition, the concept of heritage is deeply entwined with other disciplines, including history, cultural and environmental sciences, archaeology, museum studies and preservation, and international law. Therefore, solutions to heritage and resource management issues must be based on a comprehensive understanding of these issues.
Despite the wide scope of the field, debates on cultural heritage often tend to focus on a few key themes. One important theme involves the tension between universalism and cultural specificity. On the one hand, there is a tendency to think of cultural heritage as a universally valuable commodity with consequent rights or permissions for all concerning its use and ownership. On the other hand, there is a growing awareness of the importance of culturally specific heritage, and calls for recognition of the special claims of particular cultural groups.
A second key theme is the role of governments in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. While the development of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention has brought greater attention to the protection of the cultural assets of individual countries, it has also created new challenges. There are ongoing discussions about how to balance the needs of states and local communities, and about how to ensure that a diverse and equitable approach is taken in the protection of cultural heritage.
Although these debates have a global dimension, they also reflect broader socio-economic trends and concerns. For example, the development of the tourism industry has impacted how heritage is perceived and valued, and many cultural heritage sites are increasingly being used for commercial purposes such as shopping malls or hotels.
In this context, it is essential that cultural heritage is understood as a public good rather than a private good. Moreover, it is also important to recognise that the benefits of heritage can be shared widely by different social groups and can have a positive impact on economic growth and wellbeing.
As the global economy continues to become more interconnected, cultural heritage will continue to play an important role in promoting a sense of common identity and heritage among people around the world. In this regard, it is critical that cultural heritage is developed and maintained in a way that promotes the values of cultural diversity and multiculturalism. This is the challenge that UNESCO and its Member States are currently facing.