The effects of local context on World Heritage Site management: the Dolomites Natural World Heritage Site, Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the influence of local context on World Heritage Site (WHS) management. Building on the managerial literature about natural WHSs, protected areas and sustainable tourism, it explores the effects that tourism-driven socio-economic conditions have on stakeholder engagement in decision-making and governance both inside and neighboring a WHS. Mixed methods and tools collected case evidence at the lowest administrative level in Italy's Dolomites natural WHS. Results show that UNESCO recognition seems to be creating a deeper divide between areas inside and those outside the WHS than already produced by the diversity of tourism development types. Within the WHS and where tourism-driven socio-economic well-being is already high, there has been reinforced stakeholder indirect participation in decision-making and raised expectations of further development. In contrast, it seems not to have affected the area outside the WHS or marginal destinations, either in terms of participatory decision-making, or of development, or of tourism as a development lever. There is strong belief in the value of WHS status, relatively little opposition to regulation, but a need for reduced reliance on financial incentives, and a better business culture. Preliminary managerial recommendations and suggestions on involving stakeholders more effectively are given.