Culture is an integral part of people’s identities and sense of belonging. It is also a major driving force behind economic development and sustainable tourism. The protection of cultural heritage is therefore crucial.
When we think about cultural heritage, we usually envision artwork (paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, etc), historical monuments and buildings, and archaeological sites. However, the concept of cultural heritage is much more than that. It includes all those elements that make up the identity of a group or society, both tangible and intangible, based on the values they attach to them. It also includes places where those values are enshrined, and the natural environment with which they are intertwined.
The definition of cultural heritage also entails those intangible elements that make up a society’s identity, such as its traditions and oral history. It also encompasses its social and traditional crafts, its musical forms such as tango and flamenco, religious practices such as holy processions or carnivals, folk art such as ceramics, weaving and embroidery, and the way in which these are carried out by communities. It also includes the language, literature and the oral traditions of a society, the rituals, and the knowledge and skills that are transmitted from generation to generation.
These intangible cultural heritage elements can be identified and safeguarded by the communities, groups and individuals who recognize them as such. This is what the UNESCO Convention refers to when it talks about “community-based intangible cultural heritage.” The communities and group that create and transmit these intangible expressions, knowledge and skills are its primary stewards and guardians.
Intangible cultural heritage resources can be found throughout the world, but the challenge is to preserve them for future generations. A number of factors hamper the preservation of these resources. They range from poor destination management to cultural heritage policies that fail to take into account local and community needs, and from lack of community participation in decisions on heritage resources to the impact of natural catastrophes or agricultural practices on the preservation of cultural heritage.
One of the most important things to remember is that cultural heritage is not something that can be owned by governments or institutions. It is the collective identity of a group or society, and it can be preserved by all members of that community, whether they are aware of it or not.
It is also important to understand that not all traditions are a good fit for everyone. There are some traditions that are harmful, and it is fine to let them go if they don’t align with your true beliefs or with truth. Be the brave person in your family to break cycles of abuse or false beliefs that aren’t serving you, and you can create a healthy relationship with your cultural heritage.
The challenges that come with protecting and preserving our cultural heritage can be overcome by working together with stakeholders, involving communities, fostering local involvement, and creating opportunities for people to experience culture in other parts of the world. This can be done by using innovative approaches that integrate different disciplines, and by building partnerships with other cultural institutions and organizations.