Unpacking the global/local nexus in world heritage sites: a pragmatic approach (Preorganised Panel)

This special panel session focuses on the critical interplay between global and local dynamics in heritage sites inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In fact, the management, planning and governance of these particular (and fragile) heritage sites of worldwide relevance is the result of a hybridization of standardized global principles and regulations, and local interpretation of heritage meanings and policy implementation. On the one hand, this session explores the role played by UNESCO and other heritage and non-heritage organisations in setting specific international goals, recommendations, policy guidelines and governance requirements. On the other, it discusses how the global/local nexus is affected by contemporary dynamics of change such as increasing touristification, marketing of local cultures, identities and landscapes for economic purposes, inconsiderate developments, and gentrification processes. Particular attention is paid to the (more or less explicit) conflicts generated by the friction between global and local heritage-based narratives, and between different priorities for local economic development (also through tourism promotion), conservation of heritage sites, and improvement of citizens’ quality of life. This panel discussion contributes to track 8 (Fragile Heritage Sites in a Globalizing World) by presenting a reflection based on (mostly European) case studies and an ever-growing literature on these topics. Key themes are: a) the global/local interplay in fragile World Heritage sites in historic urban environments, cultural landscapes and beyond; b) the suggestion of possible policy recommendations for a more sustainable planning practice in such contexts. The panel session consists in the following four contributions.
Francesca Giliberto (University of Leeds, UK) examines the “heritage versus development dilemma” through the lens of a 21st century international approach to urban heritage conservation, management, and development. She highlights how, following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations (2015), UNESCO and ICOMOS – among others– have issued a series of ground-breaking documents to advocate for the importance of heritage for sustainable development, and have provided guidance on how to take concrete measures at the local level in that sense. She critically discusses the discrepancies between the global narratives and recommendations suggested in these documents and their local implementation focusing on the two World Heritage Cities (WHCs) of Florence (Italy) and Edinburgh (UK). She sheds light on effective practices and existing challenges by examining their management systems and urban regulatory frameworks in particular. Finally, she provides recommendations to rethink and reframe current urban heritage management practices for more sustainable WHCs, based on critical insights from“PRAXIS: Arts and Humanities for Global Development”, a research project led by the University of Leeds.
Matteo Basso (Iuav University of Venice, Italy) challenges the dominant and essentially positive rural imagery conveyed by the successful inscription of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (Italy) in the World Heritage List. Through a qualitative analysis based on planning documents and interviews with key actors, he emphasizes frictions and contradictions existing not only between global and local heritage-based narratives and initiatives, but also between different values and territorial aspirations. He underlines how the massive vineyard expansion generated by the Prosecco’s global demand has generated environmental impacts and health consequences triggered by the use of chemicals, and thus a growing discontent among locals.