Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 38458

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
Interests: cultural heritage; globalization; indigenous communities; gender; sustainable development goals
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Guest Editor
Arqueólogos Sin Fronteras Del Mundo Maya Mexico, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Interests: cultural heritage; cultural tourism; globalization

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Guest Editor
Centro de Investigaciones Juríricas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
Interests: cultural heritage and the law; globalization; sustainable development

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Guest Editor
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
Interests: cultural heritage preservation; indigenous heritage; ethnography; Indian heritage

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Across the world, heritage is being placed under increasing stress as globalization accelerates, tourism diversifies, cultural diversity is eroded, the environment changes, and development pressure increase. However, heritage is powerful. The material objects and traces created by past and present people, and the social memory that is woven around them, anchors individual people and their memories to broader, societal understandings of the past. These cultural objects are embedded in environments that have their own histories and trajectories and within the context of a global environmental crisis that disproportionally affects Indigenous communities. In an increasingly fragmented world, heritage can strengthen a sense of community by fortifying its relationship to place. It can boost a regional economy through sustainable tourism. Moreover, heritage is an important resource for fostering cultural resilience, reducing disaster risk, and supporting social cohesion.

Since the 1970s, sustainable development was viewed through an environmental lens, usually in terms of environmental degradation. However, there is a sea change in relation to the way in which cultural heritage is envisaged in this process. In 2013, UNESCO convened the Culture: Key to Sustainable Development international conference in Hangzhou, China. Since then, momentum has built. UNESCO (2015) outlines the challenge in Introducing Cultural Heritage into the Sustainable Development Agenda:

The cultural heritage has been absent from the sustainable development debate despite its crucial importance to societies and the wide acknowledgment of its importance at national level ... Globalization, urbanization and climate change can threaten the cultural heritage and weaken cultural diversity. What measures are needed to promote the safeguarding of the cultural heritage in the global development agenda? What are the concrete actions that need to be taken in order to integrate cultural heritage conservation and promotion into the sustainable development debate? (UNESCO 2015).

A watershed occurred when the Sustainable Development Goals came into effect in January 2016. The 17 goals that were identified are supported by 169 targets. While cultural heritage was not identified as a specific goal, it can be used to further all 17 goals.

Prof. Dr. Claire Smith
Dr. Lilia Lucia Lizama
Dr. Israel Herrera
Dr. Alok Kumar Kanungo
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

43 pages, 21966 KiB  
Article
Heritage Buildings’ Façades as Facilitators for Local Sustainable Development: The Case of Cairo’s El Korba Area
by Virginia Bassily, Toka Abufarag and Sherif Goubran
Heritage 2022, 5(3), 2689-2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5030141 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2845
Abstract
Previous research has highlighted the correlation between the design of the built environment and sustainable development, underscoring how buildings have the potential to accelerate the realization of the SDGs. However, the specific contribution of built heritage to the SDGs have been seldom studied, [...] Read more.
Previous research has highlighted the correlation between the design of the built environment and sustainable development, underscoring how buildings have the potential to accelerate the realization of the SDGs. However, the specific contribution of built heritage to the SDGs have been seldom studied, and little research has attempted to link built heritage architectural features with sustainable development. This research examines how heritage façades, and the street-level activities they instigate, contribute to local sustainable development. The researchers build on existing knowledge to develop a framework that links façade features with the SDGs. The framework is used to re-examine several case studies in El Korba, located in Heliopolis, Cairo (Egypt). Many researchers have studied this area architecturally, historically, and socially, but no research has studied its possible contribution to local sustainable development. The findings highlight how those heritage façades serve as a means for sustainable development on the social, economic, and environmental levels. The paper also underscores how the deterioration of this built heritage location risks diluting the architectural features that drive their contribution to the SDGs. The findings also substantiate several of the connections in the framework, which enables future researchers to link the design features of heritage building façades and the SDGs and document how different built heritage locations support sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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20 pages, 367 KiB  
Communication
The Role of Built Heritage for Sustainable Development Goals: From Statement to Action
by Antonella Lerario
Heritage 2022, 5(3), 2444-2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5030127 - 29 Aug 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 9697
Abstract
The importance of culture and cultural heritage for the achievement of sustainable development is widely stressed in official documents. Nevertheless, the role of cultural heritage for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Agenda 2030 is limited in practical terms, [...] Read more.
The importance of culture and cultural heritage for the achievement of sustainable development is widely stressed in official documents. Nevertheless, the role of cultural heritage for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Agenda 2030 is limited in practical terms, as explicit references to it only appear in Target 11.4. Focusing on the built cultural heritage, the article tries to throw light on its potential with regard to all 17 SDGs by reflecting on the environmental, social and economic connection to communities’ development. Then, based on its cross-cutting importance and on its peculiarities, the work proposes and discusses priorities, observation perspective, actions and tools for concrete actions on the built heritage, identifying also specific criticalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
19 pages, 2335 KiB  
Article
Scouting for Food Heritage for Achieving Sustainable Development: The Methodological Approach of the Atlas of the Ark of Taste
by Michele F. Fontefrancesco, Dauro M. Zocchi and Andrea Pieroni
Heritage 2022, 5(1), 526-544; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5010030 - 12 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3586
Abstract
Over the last two decades, scholars and organizations across the world have carried out research projects and promoted dissemination tools aimed at promoting food and food-related elements embedded in local and traditional foodways. In this regard, the documentation of food and biocultural heritage [...] Read more.
Over the last two decades, scholars and organizations across the world have carried out research projects and promoted dissemination tools aimed at promoting food and food-related elements embedded in local and traditional foodways. In this regard, the documentation of food and biocultural heritage has been seen as the starting point of processes directed toward their safeguarding and promotion. Drawing from this premise, the paper presents an original methodological approach, designed within the framework of the Ark of Taste project, to map, inventory, and document food and food-related resources to produce a comprehensive dissemination tool for the promotion of local food and biocultural heritage. To this end, the paper discusses the case study of the Atlas of the Ark of Taste in Tanzania, looking at the approach used, and the challenges faced, in undertaking field and desk activities aimed at inventorying Tanzanian food products and in the creating of the gastronomic atlas of this country. Drawing from this experience, the paper highlights the potentially crucial role that food and gastronomic inventories may have in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals from a grassroots perspective. Acknowledging the limitations and possible unintended effects of these initiatives on the protection of food and biocultural resources, the authors recognize the promising role that these tools could have in fostering the achievement of environmental (SDGs 13, 14, 15) and social sustainability (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 10) objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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15 pages, 4512 KiB  
Article
Alutiiq Fish Skin Traditions: Connecting Communities in the COVID-19 Era
by Elisa Palomino and June Pardue
Heritage 2021, 4(4), 4249-4263; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4040234 - 6 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3413
Abstract
The Alutiiq, Indigenous inhabitants of the coastal regions of Southwest Alaska, created garments made from fish skins, especially salmon, expertly sewn by women from Kodiak Island. Traditionally, Alutiiq education focused on acquiring survival skills: how to navigate the seas in all weathers, hunting, [...] Read more.
The Alutiiq, Indigenous inhabitants of the coastal regions of Southwest Alaska, created garments made from fish skins, especially salmon, expertly sewn by women from Kodiak Island. Traditionally, Alutiiq education focused on acquiring survival skills: how to navigate the seas in all weathers, hunting, fishing and tanning animal skins. Today, many Alutiiq people continue to provide for their families through subsistence fishing, honouring the ocean and navigating difficult times by listening to their collective wisdom. This paper describes the series of fish skin tanning workshops taught by June Pardue, an Alutiiq and Inupiaq artist from Kodiak Island that connected participants in Alaska Native communities during the COVID-19 isolation months. Through an online platform, June passed on expert knowledge of the endangered Arctic fish skin craft, assisting participants in coping with the pandemic crisis by tapping into their knowledge of the natural world, cultural resourcefulness, storytelling abilities and creative skills. Brought into the digital age, the fish skin workshops strengthened connections among Alutiiq and Alaskan craftspeople while establishing new connections with an expanded network of fashion designers, museum curators, conservators and tanners. Finally, the paper highlights how fish skin Indigenous practices address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding poverty, health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, social inequality, responsible consumption and production, climate change and maritime issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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12 pages, 255 KiB  
Article
Analysis and Identification of Sustainable Public Policy for Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Maya Region in Line with the Sustainable Development Goals
by Kennedy Obombo Magio, Lilia Lucia Lizama Aranda, Laureano González and Christian Alpuche
Heritage 2021, 4(4), 4172-4183; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4040229 - 2 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2365
Abstract
The present study identifies suitable sustainable public policy for the administration of archaeological zones in Mexico, particularly in the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo (Maya region). Given the rapid economic growth of the Southeastern region of Mexico, it is necessary to [...] Read more.
The present study identifies suitable sustainable public policy for the administration of archaeological zones in Mexico, particularly in the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo (Maya region). Given the rapid economic growth of the Southeastern region of Mexico, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive and sustainable form of administration for the cultural and archaeological heritage. Key components of the ideal policy are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data is based on researchers’ own experiences on how these SDGs can act as a base for the much needed change in the management of Mexico´s archaeological zones. We are looking at a policy that has clear goals, objectives, concrete strategies and actions including: (1) Comprehensive plan, (2) Regional plan, (3) Land use plan—master plan, (4) Cultural tourism plan which covers ecotourism and nature based tourism, art centers, museums and monuments. The resource management plan should cover aspects like: (1) disaster planning, (2) operations and marketing, (3) interpretation, (4) budgetary issues and (5) financing. Success in the implementation of such a policy requires the strengthening of regional and local federalism, transparency, accountability, corporate governance and planning for sustainable cultural tourism development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
16 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
Yagan Heritage in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): The Politics of Balance
by Danae Fiore, Ana Butto and Victor Vargas Filgueira
Heritage 2021, 4(4), 3790-3805; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4040208 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3154
Abstract
This paper analyses the tangible and intangible Yagan heritage contents exhibited by the Museo del Fin del Mundo (MFM, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) and presented during its guided tour led by Yagan Community Counsellor Victor Vargas Filgueira. We show how the critical [...] Read more.
This paper analyses the tangible and intangible Yagan heritage contents exhibited by the Museo del Fin del Mundo (MFM, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) and presented during its guided tour led by Yagan Community Counsellor Victor Vargas Filgueira. We show how the critical outlook of Fuegian history offered in the latter challenges the traditional past-only fossilized view of the Yagan, building past–present links and helping to overcome biased hegemonic discourses. We also discuss how employing a member of the Yagan Community at the MFM has been an efficient and low-budget strategy that helps to comply with some Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which are difficult to attain in developing countries. Significant outcomes of this process include: (a) providing a full-time formal job to a member of an Indigenous Community who has been traditionally dispossessed of/in their own territory; (b) acknowledging him as a knowledge holder and valuable member of society; (c) moving the role of Yagan People from subject to agent of the MFM. This process has fostered the dialogue between Yagan voices and academic discourses, challenging traditional Western dichotomies-ecology/economy, natural/cultural heritage, and so forth, and contributing to the discussion of key concepts on sustainability and engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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13 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
Globalization, Cultural Heritage Management and the Sustainable Development Goals in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Nigeria
by Caleb A. Folorunso
Heritage 2021, 4(3), 1703-1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030094 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6041
Abstract
This paper addresses the impacts of globalization on cultural heritage conservation in sub-Saharan Africa. The homogenization and commodification of Indigenous cultures as a result of globalization and it’s impacts on the devaluation of heritage sites and cultural properties is discussed within a Nigerian [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the impacts of globalization on cultural heritage conservation in sub-Saharan Africa. The homogenization and commodification of Indigenous cultures as a result of globalization and it’s impacts on the devaluation of heritage sites and cultural properties is discussed within a Nigerian context. Additionally, the ongoing global demand for African art objects continues to fuel the looting and destruction of archaeological and historical sites, negatively impacting the well-being of local communities and their relationships to their cultural heritage. Global organizations and institutions such as UNESCO, the World Bank, and other institutions have been important stakeholders in the protection of cultural heritage worldwide. This paper assesses the efficacy of the policies and interventions implemented by these organizations and institutions within Africa and makes suggestions on how to advance the protection of African cultural heritage within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, cultural heritage conservation is explored as a core element of community well-being and a tool with which African nations may achieve sustainable economic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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12 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Ongoing Colonization and Indigenous Environmental Heritage Rights: A Learning Experience with Cree First Nation Communities, Saskatchewan, Canada
by Ranjan Datta and William P. Marion
Heritage 2021, 4(3), 1388-1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030076 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4911
Abstract
Ongoing colonization of the environment and natural resources has negatively impacted environmental heritage rights in many parts of the world, particularly Indigenous environmental rights and their relationships with the environment. For many Indigenous communities, the history of colonialism became a history of dispossession [...] Read more.
Ongoing colonization of the environment and natural resources has negatively impacted environmental heritage rights in many parts of the world, particularly Indigenous environmental rights and their relationships with the environment. For many Indigenous communities, the history of colonialism became a history of dispossession for Indigenous peoples, their land, water, traditional knowledge, and practices. This paper addresses the ongoing environmental heritage conflict between the Cree First Nation communities’ traditional environmental heritage practices and developmental energy projects in Saskatchewan, Canada. Drawing from a relational research framework, we (Cree First Nation Knowledge Keeper and settler scholar of color) shared our learning reflections from Cree First Nation communities on how energy projects (particularly pipeline leaks) have negatively impacted Indigenous land, water, and traditional heritage and practices. In this paper, we focus our learnings from the Cree First Nation communities on the following questions: Why and how do developmental projects neglect Indigenous heritage rights, particularly environmental heritage rights? What can be or should be done about it? What are our responsibilities as researchers and educators? In this study, we learned about traditional-knowledge-based consultation and solutions to the ongoing challenges of incorporating Indigenous interests into environmental heritage to foster Indigenous environmental heritage rights. We also highlight how Indigenous perspectives on their environmental heritage rights are interconnected with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from our learning reflections, particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities, Goal 13, Climate Action, Goal 15, Life on Land, and Goal 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Driver of the Sustainable Development Goals)
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