Is Every Heritage Site a 'Living' One? Linking Conservation to Communities' Association with Sites

Abstract

Over the last decades, the field of conservation has been characterized by an increasing recognition of the importance of the living dimension of heritage sites and the need to involve communities in site management. This attempt has been accompanied by growing use of the term 'living heritage site'. However, the concept of community remains abstract; community involvement is still far from being successful; and the term 'living heritage site' is used in a confusing context. This study discusses the concept of a 'living heritage site' on the basis of different types of communities' association with sites. A new definition of the term is suggested that emphasizes the concept of 'continuity', pointing at a new conservation approach. The aim is to analyse communities' association with sites and to differentiate sites, as well as their management, on the basis of this association.