Rural Landscape as Heritage: Reasons for and Implications of Principles Concerning Rural Landscapes as Heritage ICOMOS-IFLA 2017

Lionella Scazzosi

doi:10.1186/bf03545709

Abstract

In 2011, the ICOMOS-IFLA International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes (ISCCL) began the World Rural Landscapes Initiative (WRLI) project to develop a complete and systematic approach to cultural heritage for rural areas. Rural landscapes need further study in terms of methodology, operation and internationally recognised documents: protection and promotion, knowledge, methodology and management at international, national and local levels. The goals of the WRLI were: a principles text containing theoretical, methodological and operational criteria; a website; a glossary; an atlas of rural landscapes; and a general bibliography. The first goal has been achieved: Principles Concerning Rural Landscapes as Heritage was adopted as a doctrinal text by ICOMOS (2017). This paper presents the main cultural premises and contents of the Principles text: (I) the theoretical concepts of the ‘Rural Landscape’ and ‘Rural Landscape as Heritage’; and (II) ‘Action criteria’ which guide the development of policies for rural landscapes as heritage and resources: knowledge, protection, sustainable management, communication and transmission of physical places and associated heritage values. This paper covers: the importance of time in policy strategy; the (false) contradiction of conservation and innovation and the concept of ‘appropriate’ transformation; the role of stakeholders; value recognition; knowledge; information; communication and public reception.

Highlights

In 2011, the ICOMOS-International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes (ISCCL) began a cultural project, the World Rural Landscapes Initiative (WRLI), with the goal of a complete and systematic approach to the question of cultural heritage for rural areas
In 1992, UNESCO introduced the concept of landscapes at a global level, in substitute for the more generic ‘site’ which was a feature of World Heritage Convention (UNESCO 1972)
Testing and reflection on positive and problematic results of involving local populations are underway in many countries around the world, covering a huge variety of traditional and cultural diversity. These show the efficacy of tools, approaches and communication practices based on best practice, guidelines, operational technical and professional training; educational programs in schools, training courses in universities; award ceremonies and widespread use of media (‘Communicate awareness of the heritage values of rural landscapes through collaborative participatory actions, such as shared learning, education, capacity building, heritage interpretation and research activities’) (ICOMOS 2017a, Section II.D.1)

Summary

Section I: Definitions and Values

The first section defines the main theoretical questions through two concepts (‘rural landscape’, and ‘rural landscape as heritage’): these are fundamental in understanding the entire document. The term ‘rural’, in the context of the Principles, is necessary to clearly articulate the types of production activities developed through the centuries in the various areas of the world, on top of that of simple agriculture It acts as a kind of ‘umbrella’ definition inside which concepts like aquaculture and fishing, different kinds of animal husbandry, forestry management, hunting, natural product harvesting, extraction and working of shared resources such as salt, are collected, clarified and categorised. Benefits,’) briefly develop themes on the reasons for the importance of rural landscapes and their benefits from a cultural heritage point of view for today’s society, not forgetting the threats of their destruction and the challenges that must be faced to examine the situation from a different perspective This is one of the most studied and well-known material by scholars, scientific and cultural associations and public administrations, both at international and local levels.

Section II: Action Criteria

Conclusions