Adopting a holistic approach to cultural and natural heritage protection under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Khalaf, Roha W. (2024) Adopting a holistic approach to cultural and natural heritage protection under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. In: Heritage in War and Peace: Legal and Political Perspectives for Future Protection. Law and Visual Jurisprudence, 12 . Springer Nature, pp. 81-103. [Book Section]

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Abstract (in English)

Combining the protection of cultural and natural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value in one international treaty – the UNESCO World Heritage Convention – is an innovative achievement; however, the Operational Guidelines for its implementation separate the treatment of cultural and natural heritage. Authenticity in particular reinforces the culture/nature divide as it only applies to cultural properties and to the cultural aspects of mixed properties. This paper questions the practical utility of authenticity in heritage protection. It argues for adopting a holistic approach that brings together the multiple dimensions of heritage and proposes an alternative conceptual and operational framework: the dynamic triad of integrity-continuity-compatibility. This framework bridges the culture/nature divide, enables a more holistic protection of heritage and supports its role in meeting global challenges and agendas, notably sustainable development goals. The paper provides an original perspective on the future of heritage protection and is part of the author’s independent research, which gradually develops a practical policy proposal for the future implementation of the Convention.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Authors Email Khalaf, Roha W. roha.khalaf@gmail.com
Editors:	Editors Email Mastandrea Bonaviri, G UNSPECIFIED Sadowski, M.M. UNSPECIFIED
Languages:	English
Keywords:	World Heritage Convention; theory of conservation; holistic approach; culture and nature; protection of cultural heritage; protection of natural heritage; authenticity; integrity; continuity; compatibility; operational guidelines
Subjects:	A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 12. Theory of conservation E. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 07. Management E. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 11. Legal protection and Administration H. HERITAGE TYPOLOGIES > 28. World Heritage K. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES > 06. Doctrinal texts, conventions and charters M. WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION > 02. World Cultural and Natural Heritage M. WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION > 06. Operational guidelines
Volume:	12
Depositing User:	Dr Roha Khalaf
Date Deposited:	26 Feb 2025 13:49
Last Modified:	26 Feb 2025 13:49
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URI:	https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/3370

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