If you ever wondered why it would be important for cultural heritage and the economy to be allies and nurture a relationship based on strength and growth, you are in the right place.
We understand cultural heritage to be a specific set of tangible, intangible and natural goods that are part of social practices. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) it is the heritage left by humans and nature over the years, which is attributed a universal value and/or meaning.
How is a cultural heritage chosen?
To choose a tangible or intangible cultural heritage or “cultural asset”, whether natural or man-made, there is the so-called UNESCO World Heritage, which consists of promoting, throughout the world, the protection, identification, cultural exchange, dialogue, peace in a sustainable manner and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage considered of exceptional value for humanity.
This proposal is accompanied by an international treaty called the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, approved by UNESCO in 1972, which recognizes that some places on earth have “outstanding universal value” and should be part of a heritage of humanity.
For a site to be included on the World Heritage List, it must first be nominated by the country to which it belongs. This nomination is reviewed by a group of international experts, who decide whether inclusion on the list is justified. Finally, the World Heritage Committee, made up of 21 elected states, takes a vote.
These sites show the diversity of cultures and natural phenomena and are tangible evidence of the link between humans and nature.
The World Heritage Committee meets in 2023 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), from September 10 to 25 to receive nominations from countries.
We already know how a cultural heritage is chosen, now; What relationship does this have with the economy?
The economy plays a fundamental and very important role at a global level, however this has an impact on cultural heritage. And this happens since it works as a resource generator and various projects and productive activities can be carried out around it. Allocating money to sites recognized as heritage contributes economically to their preservation and financing.
Through sectors such as art, gastronomy and tourism, countries can generate wealth, jobs, make their traditions and stories visible, generate support networks to preserve historical places, among other benefits.
Culture undoubtedly contributes to the world of creativity, knowledge, innovation, art, reflections and countless experiences to be lived and shared. For these reasons and more, it is important to allocate part of the economies to ensure that this is maintained and even grows.
Alliances are strong because there are communities behind them that make it possible to sustain ideals, support projects and help spread national and international cultural consumption.