Cultural policies related to the Historical Core of São Luís-MA: the regard of its dwelling population

Abstract

Discussions regarding historical heritage have come from different conceptual levels. This purpose of this research is to discuss it from a perspective of sustainability and its relation with the subjects that live in the spaces officially recognized as historical heritage. Thus, the methodological organization started with bibliographic research based on literature from UNESCO (1972), Peixoto (2008), Figueiredo, among others. Subsequently, field research was carried out using individual semi-structured interviews with residents from Sao Luis, Maranhão historical downtown as a data collection instrument. Results showed some weaknesses with regard to achievement of social sustainability of local inhabitants. In view of the analyses and concepts worked on in this study, it is understood that it is essential to rethink sustainability practices beyond the physical part of cultural heritage, it is necessary to provide a balance between the cultural set and residents’ quality of life.