The Case Study of the Town of Bamberg (Germany) Concerning the Combination of Management Plans with Participation Strategies in Urban World Heritage Properties

Abstract

The management of World Heritage has undergone certain changes over the decades. In this chapter, we focus on the management of urban World Heritage applying participatory approaches. The Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, which came into effect on 1 February 2005, make a management plan compulsory for properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. The requirements of such a management plan depend largely on the characteristics of the site. While, in the past, a top-down approach dominated in management planning, the role of local stakeholders has evolved and gained importance since the 1990s. This paradigm shift raised new questions: How can effective management and participation strategies meet different needs and interests? Who represents “local communities” in the urban context? How sustainable are management and participation strategies? And, very essentially, are local stakeholders at all interested in participating in the management of World Heritage? Using the case of the German World Heritage City of Bamberg, this chapter explores possible participation strategies as an integral part of site management. Finally, conclusions are drawn concerning the implementation and effectiveness of such participation strategies.