The role of cultural heritage in sustainability strategies
May 10, 2023
The cultural and creative sectors are the soul of society, particularly in Europe. A rich facet of European life, these sectors contribute to social cohesion and diversity, as well as its economy, representing 4.2% of the EU’s total GDP and 3.7% of the EU’s workforce.
Cultural heritage is a valuable source of knowledge and insight into our history, traditions, values, beliefs, customs and lifestyle. It helps us understand our past and in turn allows us to preserve it. By preserving our cultural heritage we are able to create an identity for ourselves as well as protect the future generations of tomorrow.
In Europe, preserving cultural heritage is of particular importance. A continent with nearly 30 distinct languages and a multi-cultural and multi-confessional population, Europe is home to a variety of cultures that have been shaped by political, economical and religious events throughout history. As such, protecting these cultures from being lost or forgotten is essential for understanding our historical past as well as for preserving our future. Cultural heritage preservation also helps to foster community relationships and build mutual understanding. In addition, it allows us to learn from our predecessors by studying their experiences, successes and mistakes.
Preserving cultural heritage is essential in defining sustainability strategies as well, including protection of nature and biodiversity. Cultural heritage can provide us with insight into traditional practices and techniques for sustainable living such as sustainable farming, harvesting of natural resources and management of land. In addition, it can help to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing employment through tourism or crafts. By protecting our cultural heritage, we are preserving the knowledge and wisdom that our ancestors have passed down for generations and ensuring that it is shared with future generations, as well as lowering the risks of poverty, isolation and food insecurity.
The private sector also has a role to play in protecting and promoting cultural heritage, including through sustainability strategies that take into account the following priorities:
identifying and disseminating best practices and increasing the capacity of the cultural heritage sector to engage with those issues effectively;
promoting the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge across generations as well as their innovative use and cross-fertilisation through scientific and technological developments;
making use of digital means in order to increase access to and participation in cultural heritage for all social groups;
supporting the development and implementation of cultural heritage strategies, including through crowd-sourcing and crowd-funding;
facilitating links on cultural heritage between the education and cultural tourism sectors;
actively engaging with public authorities on the innovation and revitalisation of towns, connecting them to related sites and territories, promoting their attractiveness as well as attracting investments, new economic activities and enterprises;
promoting evidence-based research in order to contribute to the development of strategic approaches to cultural heritage; and
continuing the dialogue with civil society organisations and platforms in cultural heritage-related policy areas.
Cultural heritage preservation is not only necessary for passing knowledge from generation to generation, but also helps to promote peace, sustainability for people and the planet and mutual understanding between people of different cultures. It is a vital tool in preserving our shared history and culture so that we may continue on a sustainable path forward together.
CPM
