Reconciling the Conservation of Cultural Heritage with Rural Development

Excellent Local Culture To Foster The Core Values Of The Local College Students

The article covers topical issues of the unique art center – Yelisavetgrad region at the turn of XIX–XX centuries, a retrospective analysis of the cultural and artistic environment in the multi-vector plane of theatrical, choreographic, fine and architectural arts; development of musical culture in the multifaceted palette of piano, string, vocal and choral performance, as well as the peculiarities of composition in the focus of historical and stylistic trends of the twentieth century. The article emphasizes that the introduction of a special course «Musical Culture of Yelisavetgrad region» in the educational process is an important component of the professional development of students of art and cross specialties of higher educational institutions of art education. The functioning of an important center of education and multicultural life in southern Ukraine Yelisavetgrad - Kirovograd - Kropyvnytskyi, the development of musical culture of Yelisavetgrad XIX - XX centuries has a powerful influence on the development of culture not only in the region but the cultural life of Ukraine. A wide range of problems of formation of various cultural branches of Yelisavetradshchyna, biography of famous musicians, world importance of their creative and pedagogical heritage, unique interethnic cultural exchange expand knowledge about history and culture of the region in its various relations with Poland, educational and cultural centers of the Russian Empire and Europe. Thus, the synthetic and multifaceted nature of the special course «Musical Culture of Yelisavetgrad-Kirovograd-Kropyvnytskyi» causes the combination of all components of the structure of professional development of future teachers of music: motivational, cognitive, creative, reflective, creative and projective, which optimizes the process of professions. the possibility of creative self-expression and actualizes the problem associated with the attitude to the heritage of national culture, with the emotional experience of belonging to the homeland, their homeland, its history and culture, the formation of moral, ethical and aesthetic values of future music teachers.

Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical and moral components of societies that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and transfered for the benefit of future generations. As the spoiling of cultural heritage-partly or wholly- will be a harmful impoverishment for all nations' heritage, it is material to take subject as a whole for all nations. Universal characteristics of cultural heritage point out the necessity of strengthening of culturel dialogue for conservation of this heritage. Nowadays there exists losts of constitutions supporting the studies for conservation of cultural and natural heritage. Among them, Europen Union's performance rewarding the example project, application and other researches designed on the conservation of cultural heritage draws attention. One of the important supports of European Union for conservation of cultural heritage are Europa Nostra awards. During the study Turkey's awards captured from Europa Nostra are analysed.

Over the past half century, our understanding of development has shifted from economic growth to economic viable, social equitable, and environmental bearable, so-called “sustainable development”. The United Nations (UN) has launched 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 (UN 2015), three of which relate to sustainable tourism. The latter is not a new category of tourism but a new ethic to guide tourism. World Heritage, including Cultural Heritage, Natural Heritage, and Mixed Heritage, especially Cultural and Mixed heritage properties, link closely with local communities’ development and become tourist attractions with physical stability, historical continuity, archeological authenticity or aesthetic harmony. Cultural Heritage begins with capital letters in this paper indicating it as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage.The chapter introduces: 1) - an overview of Africa’s Cultural Heritage; 2) - explains why Africa’s Cultural Heritage is significant for sustainable development from a theoretical perspective, based on relevant UN documents; 3) – highlights the challenges faced by all stakeholders: African governments, local communities, tourist agencies, national and international visitors, etc., on how to enhance the value of Africa’s Cultural Heritage through tourism; 4) - analyzes potential value of Africa’s Cultural Heritage, as a driver and resource for sustainable development; and finally, 5) – concludes with the economic, social, and environmental value of Cultural Heritage in African sustainable development.

Abstract. This article examines the dynamics of Ukraine’s membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) over the past seven decades, with special attention paid to the country’s diplomatic efforts in the face of a full-scale invasion. Highlighting Ukraine’s strategic interaction with UNESCO, the article focuses on the role of soft power in the formation of international relations. Through a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s historical path within UNESCO, from acquiring membership in 1954 to contemporary challenges such as russian aggression, the article highlights Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to promoting UNESCO’s principles of protecting peace, justice, and the development of education and culture. Beginning with Ukraine’s initial struggles against external influences, particularly within the context of the Soviet Union, the article traces the nation’s evolution within UNESCO, emphasising its commitment to asserting national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing global peace. It elucidates Ukraine’s strategic utilisation of UNESCO as a platform for promoting soft power mechanisms, multilateral cooperation, and coalition-building to address pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict with the Russian Federation. Against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges, Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts within UNESCO are becoming an important mechanism for protecting sovereignty and strengthening the state’s voice in international affairs. The work highlights Ukraine’s diplomatic achievements within the framework of UNESCO’s operations, the country’s proactive approach to securing key positions in various committees and programs, as well as the implementation of consolidated efforts to ensure peace. Furthermore, the article underscores UNESCO’s key role in promoting Ukraine’s foreign policy goals and in addressing urgent global challenges. Adhering to the principles of multilateral cooperation, Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development. Keywords: Ukraine, UNESCO, soft power, multilateral diplomacy, cultural heritage.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has not only introduced a conceptual and applicative expansion of the interdisciplinary subjects applied to cultural heritage, but it has also increasingly encouraged an integrated planning of sustainable development policies for territories and communities that convey and shape their relative cultural and anthropomorphic identity, along with the re-thinking of the collective dimension of heritage in terms of rights to creation and fruition as well as the related cultural management. This article presents a reflection on the opportunity to identify and develop the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage as resources that are essential to one another. To this purpose, two illustrative UNESCO application paths are examined. The first relates to the recognition of The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as a Cultural Landscape of World Heritage, pursuant to the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, while the second concerns the inscription of the intangible element The Celebration of Celestinian Forgiveness in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the UNESCO 2003 Convention. Due to differences in paradigms and application criteria under the two UNESCO Conventions, which are also detectable in the Italian regulatory context, these case studies offer the opportunity to advance an interdisciplinary reflection aimed at rethinking safeguarding contexts, as well as enhancement and increasing accessibility of cultural heritage. As a result of the reflection, an analysis of the concept of living in relation to the anthropological definition of organic landscape, representation of collective identities (community-based heritage), inclusive places and sociability (public policy), communicative restitution (universal ethical values), participatory management (participative brand making), and integrated sustainability is derived.

At present, incorrect or aggressive conservation efforts harm not only the building heritage, but also its cultural significance and authenticity. There is an urgent need to investigate existing studies that utilise proper methods and processes of the digital economy and technology to promote sustainable architecture and building heritage conservation and heritage tourism development and management to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). Hence, this paper aims to explore the role of digital economy technology, i.e., building information modelling (BIM), in promoting the harmonious development of cultural architectural and building heritage conservation and sustainable cultural heritage tourism, as well as to reveal the current state of the research and hotspots in BIM-driven cultural heritage conservation for sustainable cultural heritage tourism. A mix of a macro-quantitative bibliometric method and a follow-up micro-qualitative content analysis method has been employed to highlight the significance and promise of the interdisciplinary domains of BIM, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable cultural heritage tourism to the attainment of SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) focused on three specific goals, i.e., enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation (SDG 11.3), strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11.4), and reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6); and SDG 17 (partnerships) regarding four issues, i.e., stakeholder relationships, public participation, heritage conservation experts, and management. Additionally, three categories of research themes have been identified: cultural heritage conservation, heritage and tourism management, and support of emerging technology. Furthermore, the relationships between BIM and sustainable cultural heritage tourism from the last 26 years (1997 to 2022) have been revealed with visualisations of future research trends in BIM, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable cultural heritage tourism.

Bergama'da 1878 de Carl Humann tarafindan arkeolojik kazilarin baslatilmasi ve her gecen gun onemli buluntularin ortaya cikmasi kentin baskin olarak arkeolojik ozellikleriyle anilmasi­ni saglamis ve saglamaktadir. Ornegin 1968 yilina ait imar planinda arkeolo­jik alan uzerinde yer alan geleneksel kent do­kusunun dondurularak gelismesinin kisitlan­masi ve zamanla bu alanlarin bosaltilarak arke­olojik kazilara terk edilmesi ongorulmustur. Antikcag yapilarina verilen onem, diger taraf­tan geleneksel konutlarin muhafazasina do­layli olarak katkida bulunmus; geleneksel ko­nut dokusu altindaki antik kentin zarar gorme­mesi icin, var olan yapilasma dondurulmus; yeni yapilasmalar icin bu alanlar disinda, gele­neksel dokunun guneyinde yeni iskân alanlari acilmistir. 1976 tarihinde Bergama'nin alanlari ve sinirlari Gayrimenkul Eski Eserler ve Anitlar Yuksek Kurulunca (GEEAYK) tescil edilmistir. ilani kararini takiben, Berga­ma'nin antik Pergamon kentinin kalintilari uze­rinde gelismis belli alanlari, korunmasi gerekli kentsel dokuya sahip olmasi nedeniyle ve Arkeolojik olarak 1983 yilin­da tescil edilmis ve 1984'te tekrar degerlendi­rilmistir, Bergama gibi cok katmanli kentlerde, tanimi konana kadar gecen surede, kurullari tarafindan yanlis ka­rarlarin alinmasinin yani sira tereddutler, dola­yisiyla karar uretememe durumlari soz konu­su olmustur. Bu tikaniklik, SIT tanimindan 20 yil sonra 1993'te Kultur ve Tabiat Varliklari Koruma Yuksek Kurulunun ilke kararindaki tanimi ve ko­sullarinin belirlenmesiyle asilmistir. Bergama'da da koruma amacli imar planina kadar gecerli olacak gecis donemi yapilas­ma kosullari m belirleyen karar, ilanindan 18 yil sonra, 2001 yilinda kentin bu alanlarinin, Izmir 2 numarali Kultur ve Tabiat Varliklari Koruma Kurulunca Kentsel Arkeolo­jik olarak ilan edilmesiyle alinmistir. Bu karara gore Bergama kenti alanlari. Kent­sel SIT, 1. derece SIT, 2. derece ve 3. derece olarak tanimlanmistir. Bu kararlar sonucunda, alani icinde yer atan evler, onarim dahi yapilamayan, harap an­cak ozgun yapilar olarak gunumuze ulasmistir. Kentin guneyinde yeni yapilasma alanlarinin olusturulmasindan sonra, alani icindeki geleneksel dokuda, evlerini birakmak isteme­yen, apartman yasamina uyum saglayamayan ve eski komsuluk iliskilerini surdurmek iste­yen yasli nufus kalmistir. Bu geleneksel doku­nun diger kullanicilari ise civar koylerden gelip buraya yerlesen dusuk gelir grubuna ait kulla­nicilardir. kultur varliklari envanter calismasiyla kentte harap fakat ozgun olarak gunumuze ulasmis onemli sayida konut oldugu, pek cok konutun enderlik degeri tasidigi ortaya kon­mustur. Bergama (izmir) Kultur Varliklari En­vanter Projesinin ucuncu ve son donem calis­masi 6-17 Eylul 2005 tarihlerinde Bergama da gerceklestirilen alan calismasiyla tamamlan­mistir. Pek cok uygarligi iceren, cok katmanli bir kent olan Bergama'da, sinirlan ve tanimi, bu envanter calismasi­nin basladigi 2003 yilindaki degisiklikler disin­da, Mart 2004 te izmir 2 numarali Kultur ve Ta­biat Varliklari Koruma Kurulunda alinan kararla, Kentsel + 3. derece olarak degistirilmis ve sinin guneye, Gazipasa Mahal­lesine dogru genisletilmistir (lev. 1: sek. 1). Kultur Varliklarinin yer aldigi mahalle­ler, Bergama Cayinin kuzeyindeki alanda Ulu-cami, Talatpasa, Kurtulus mahalleleri, Berga­ma Cayinin guneyinde ise Selcuk, Barbaros, Atmaca, Islamsaray, Turabey, Inkilâp, Gazipa­sa, Ertugrul ve Zafer mahalleleridir. 2005 yilin­da, Bergama Cayinin kuzeyinde Talatpasa ve Kurtulus mahallelerinde, Bergama Cayinin gu­neyinde ise Selcuk, Atmaca, islamsaray, Tu­rabey, Inkilâp, Gazipasa, Ertugrul ve Zafer ma­hallelerinde envanter calismasi gerceklestiril­mistir (lev. 2: sek. 2). Bergama Kuttur Varliktan Envanteri yapilirken calisma alanimizin sinirlan (lev. 1: sek. 1), Kultur ve Tabiat Varliklari Koruma Ku­rulu tarafindan onaylanmis sinirlari disinda, eski yerlesim dokusunu gosteren belgelerden de yararlanilarak belir­lenmistir. Bergama'da 2005 yilinda. 2003 ve 2004 yilla­rinda gerceklestirilen alan calismalarinda oldu­gu gibi Bergama Cayinin iki yakasinda, iki ayri grup tarafindan catisma gerceklestirilmistir. 6-17 Eylul 2005 tarihleri arasinda 7 kisilik ekip­le toplam 100 yapi adasinda calisilmis, 713'u anit olmak uzere, 814 adet envanter formu hazirlanmistir. 102 yapinin plan krokisi yapil­mis, 4440 adet dijital fotograf cekilmistir. Boy­lece 2003 yilindan itibaren, uc yillik envanter calismasi sonucunda 160'i yerlesme, 1501'i anit envanteri olmak uzere, toplam 1661 adet envanter formu hazirlanmis, 390 adet plan krokisi yapilmis ve 9718 adet dijital fotograf cekilmistir. kultur varliktan envanter calismasin­da, konutlarin yapim tarihleri ve mimari ozel­likleri bir arada degerlendirildiginde Berga­ma'daki konut mimarisinin gelisim sureci or­taya cikmaktadir. 2005 yilina ait alan calisma­sinda, nitelikli ve korunmaya deger Cumhuri­yet devri konut yapilarinin, onceki yillarda cali­silan alanlardakinden daha yogun olarak yer aldigi saptanmistir. Geleneksel kent dokusunun yeni yapilasma alanlariyla birlestigi yerdeki yogun yok edilisi­ne bagli olarak, kultur varligi sayisi azaldigin­dan, Bergama kentsel kultur varliklari evanteri ongorulenden daha once tamamlanmis bu­lunmaktadir. Envanteri yapilan kultur varliklari sayisi, mevcut tescilli yapi sayisinin yaklasik uc katidir. Bergama kentsel kultur varliklari envanteri dogrultusunda, alanlarinin bo­yutlarinda ve niteliklerinde degisiklikler yapil­masi gerekecektir. 2003 yilinda baslayan Bergama kentsel kultur varliklari envanter calismasi 2004 yilinda de­vam etmis ve 2005 yilinda sonuclanmistir. En­vanterlerin Kultur-Kitap veritabanina aktaril­masi ise 2006 yilinda tamamlanmistir.

Henan Province, a significant cultural heritage province in China, has abundant tangible cultural heritage resources distributed across the region. Watersheds are the fundamental geographical units that have consistently supported human production and subsistence activities from ancient times to the present. Analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of tangible cultural heritage resources of the watersheds in Henan Province is of great importance for its macro-level preservation, value promotion, and sustainable development. This research focuses on the 421 major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level in Henan Province, utilizing GIS spatial analysis techniques such as kernel density estimation, nearest neighbor index, Thiessen polygons, spatial auto-correlation analysis, and geographically weighted regression to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of tangible cultural heritage across different watersheds in the province. The results indicate the following: (1) The cultural heritage sites in Henan Province exhibit an overall clustered distribution. Within specific watersheds, such as the Jindihe River, Huaihe River, and Baihe River, the cultural heritage distribution is relatively sparse, displaying a random distribution pattern. (2) The cultural heritage distribution forms two high-density centers and one high-density distribution belt, exhibiting a tendency to align along lower-grade rivers. (3) The distribution of cultural heritage shows significant spatial auto-correlation, with high-value areas (hotspots) concentrated at the watershed intersections of the Yiluohe River, Weihe River, and Yinghe River. (4) Elevation, precipitation, GDP from the tertiary sector, museum density, and proximity to the nearest historical and cultural cities are the primary factors influencing the spatial differentiation of cultural heritage within each watershed. Moreover, there is significant spatial heterogeneity between different watersheds. Lastly, specific strategies for the sustainable preservation and utilization of cultural heritage in Henan Province are proposed, including differentiated preservation approaches, strengthening the preservation of water-related cultural heritage, promoting sustainable cultural tourism development, and establishing mechanisms for cross-regional cooperation.

PurposeThe study explores the nexus between Ibu-Ubu boyhood initiation and the conservation of cultural heritage in Afikpo, Southeast Nigeria. The study is motivated by the rarity of such cultural conservation through initiation rites in an age of Christian-inspired culture terrorism against Igbo traditional religion, arts and relics.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted cultural anthropological research method. The boyhood initiation rite was studied through participant observation of the initiation between September and November 2017. As a cultural anthropological study, oral evidence was derived from the men who had undergone the rite. Through the oral evidence, interpretations were given to the material culture, monuments and heritage that have been conserved through Ibu-Ubu initiation rite.FindingsThe study discovered that amid the deluge of Christian-motivated culture terrorism and erosion of Igbo cultural arts, relics and heritage, the people of Afikpo have preserved most of their tangible and intangible heritage through the Ibu-Ubu boyhood initiation rites.Originality/valueThis study will assist in the reinvigoration of campaigns on environmental and heritage conservation in Igboland. It is sufficient to posit that Igboland is ridden with myriads of environmental and cultural terrorism, perpetrated by some Christian fanatics. The study reveals the relevance of the boyhood initiation rites in ensuring the preservation and conservation of Igbo cultural heritage in a century marked with fanatical Christian evangelism, culture-terrorism and destruction of both tangible and intangible heritages, which the Christians have labelled evil, barbaric and fetish.

Cultural heritage and the study of the cultural landscapes of the islands are becoming an increasingly important task for modern researchers in an interdisciplinary context. The lesser-known islands represent an essential thematic aspect with their unique tangible and intangible local cultural heritage. Analytical research, case study, innovative projects and promotion of the cultural landscapes of the islands provide broad prospects for the development of sustainable cultural tourism, economic development of local communities and preservation of local cultural heritage. In this context, the cultural heritage of the Italian islands is a significant field of research. The article analyzes the features of preservation and promotion of the Italian islands’ tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the context of innovative approaches and cultural tourism. Based on the analysis of the cultural heritage of Italian islands territories on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a detailed analysis is devoted to the heritage of lesser-known islands, which are not included in this list but represent valuable aspects of cultural heritage. This year’s 1600th anniversary of the founding of Venice and the proclamation of the island of Procida as the cultural capital of Italy for 2022 gives particular relevance to this topic. The article is based on the study of Italian scientific literature. Paper analyzes trends in the current state of research, promotion and sustainable development of various types of the cultural heritage of the Italian islands to preserve the uniqueness of the cultural landscape, identity and development of local communities. The study of interesting innovative projects for the development of Italian islands provides an opportunity to study experience and new approaches in preserving and promoting the islands’ cultural heritage. The article analyzes the main thematic aspects of modern research on the cultural heritage of island territories, identifies areas of the current study of Italian researchers in this dimension and analyzes the prospects for further study of this topic

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The purpose of this study is to develop design for cultural and creative products based on the regional culture of each district and county in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, China. This study utilizes an interdisciplinary research method. The theory of translation in linguistics and the three-layer structure of cultural attributes are integrated into the design of regional cultural and creative products, and the material, spiritual, and behavioral elements of local culture are translated into the form, semantics, and function of cultural and creative products, respectively. By using this method, various local cultural elements are mined and integrated into product design to increase the sense of cultural identity. Based on the research status of regional material or immaterial culture and the current situation of local development in Ankang, Shaanxi Province, we explore the practical significance and value of integrating regional cultural elements into cultural and creative products, introduce design translation theory and cultural triple structure, use the local cultural characteristics of Ankang to enhance the added value of cultural and creative products, strengthen the cultural identity of tourists, and help the heritage and development of Ankang regional culture in the era. In this study, we adopt the transliteration theory to analyze the regional cultural elements from multiple perspectives and present them through visual forms. It has been proved that the translation theory can highlight the regional characteristics of cultural and creative product design from multiple dimensions. Transcreation theory combined with cultural triple architecture can be used in the development of cultural and creative products in other regions, thus establishing a more complete regional culture discovery and presentation as an important tool. Second, by developing cultural and creative products in the Ankang region, the local city image can be established and the development of related tourism industries can be promoted.

Abstract: Egypt is one of four ancient civilizations acknowledged by the international community as having a time-honored historical legacy and a profound cultural heritage. However, from the 19th century onward, Egypt's cultural development trajectory underwent a significant shift due to the influence of Western colonial powers. Subsequently, with the uninterrupted progression of the nationalist movement, the trajectory of Egyptian history and culture, in addition to the conservation and investigation of cultural heritage, underwent yet another transformation. Museums, as crucial instruments for the conservation and exhibition of cultural heritage, have played a pivotal role in the history of Egyptian cultural research, bearing witness to the transformation in the preponderance of Egyptian historical narratives. This paper examines how historical narratives and cultural developments in Egypt were shaped under the influence of colonialism, with a particular focus on the profound impact of Orientalist theories and practices on the construction of museums about the study of historical and cultural heritage. In the post-colonial period, Egyptian museums have served as conduits for disseminating the country's rich cultural heritage and as instruments for enhancing Egyptian national identity. These institutions have played a pivotal role in the formation of national identity and the "decolonization" of the country's cultural heritage, largely due to their irreplaceable cultural space and their capacity to adapt to changing needs. As Egyptian museums have evolved, they have played a significant role in shaping national identity and contributing to the processes of decolonization and de-Westernization. Furthermore, they symbolize the prospective trajectory of Egyptian national identity within the context of globalization and the emergence of a more interconnected world.

This special issue is intended to explore in some empirical detail the relationships between culture (including ethnicity) nature, tourism, development, and political action, and in this connection to focus specifically on what is widely called ‘heritage’ and its conceptualization and representation in South-East Asia. Heritage is both a narrow concept, literally ‘what is or may be inherited’ (Little Oxford English Dictionary, 1996: 294), and a broader one pertaining to notions of ethnicity and nationalism, and even global identity. Heritage has become something which the state and its agents, as well as tourists and local communities appropriate and create as an object worthy of touristic attention, though only certain items are selected for this purpose and others are discarded. It has been remarked upon frequently that the concept of heritage is difficult to define and that, in popular discourse, its meaning is very wide and flexible. A useful starting point is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which designates World Heritage Sites as of either ‘cultural’ or ‘natural’ or ‘mixed’ (both cultural and natural) importance. According to the World Heritage Convention, 1 which was adopted by UNESCO in 1972, ‘cultural heritage’ embraces a group of buildings or a site of historical, aesthetic, archaeological, scientific, ethnological or anthropological value’. In contrast UNESCO defines ‘natural heritage’ in terms of outstanding physical, biological, and geological features; habitats of threatened plants or animal species and areas of value on scientific and aesthetic grounds or from the perspective of conservation. We are using the term heritage here to refer primarily to tangible and concrete elements of the past which are presented and re-presented in the present: archaeological finds, historical sites, monuments and buildings, urban and rural landscapes, and material artefacts (usually housed and displayed in museums). What is more ‘the sites selected to represent the country’s heritage will also have strong implications for both collective and individual identity and hence the creation of social realities’ (Black and Wall, 2001: 123). We also recognize that the term is used in a wider sense to refer not just to ‘traditional’ material objects but also to ‘traditional’ ways of life (often such overt, sensory and ‘aesthetic’ cultural forms as dance, drama, music, and the visual and plastic arts), which are usually brought into association with the material evidence of the past. The importance of these cultural forms as heritage is enhanced precisely because governments in promoting tourism tend to focus on those which are immediate, accessible, colourful, and visible to the ‘tourist gaze’, and which can be more easily shaped and constructed (Wood, 1997: 10). The concept of heritage therefore shades into the more general concepts of culture and tradition, and it is bound up with issues of national and local identities. However, as we shall see, even the natural environment can be defined and sanctioned as heritage and moulded in particular ways for the tourist market, although it is usually presented and given meaning, as is cultural heritage, as ISSN 1363-9811 print/ISSN 1469-8382 online/03/890003-13  2003 Editors, Indonesia and the Malay World