Heritage Management Research Articles

FORTALITIES AND FORTIFIED MANORS OF THE LUBELSKIE VOIVODESHIP: ANALYSIS ON THE EXAMPLE OF SELECTED

Analysing fortalities and fortified manors in the region of the Lublin Voivodeship, the article focuses on their architectural functions, cultural significance and position in the background of spatial planning. The study analyses the condition of the selected three monuments, taking into account their technical and visual condition and functionality. On the basis of the research, it can be concluded that selected monuments from the Lublin region, which show signs of defensive features, currently perform functions that are not consistent with their historical purpose. These neglects not only affect the aesthetics and functionality monuments, but also their durability and survival for future generations. Such a condition without proper consideration of their architectural and historical specificity can lead to irreversible changes and damage. It may be necessary to develop sustainable adaptation plans that take into account both contemporary needs and the protection of cultural heritage. The aim of the article is to deepen knowledge about regional monuments, promote cultural and historical value and propose a concept of a tourist route that can contribute to the increase in the attractiveness of the region. The essence of the study is the recipient's understanding of the potential of the historical buildings by presenting the current state of preservation. The way to meet the current problems and use the potential of monuments is to try to take integrated actions. The concept of a thematic tourist path, adapted to the architectural features of the monuments, could attract tourists and raise public awareness of their value. Cooperation with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations is crucial for the implementation of educational programs and scientific research on cultural heritage. Creating social awareness through the organization of cultural events and regular monitoring of the condition of monuments is necessary for the effective protection and management of cultural heritage, which is to serve present and future generations. The conclusions of the study are intended to initiate a broader discussion on the role and future of architectural heritage in the Lublin region.

Evaluation of Infrastructure Management of Solo’s Fort Vastenburg Heritage Building

Surakarta is an old settlement in Indonesia that has many infrastructure heritages in the center of the city, one of which is in the form of soft infrastructure, namely the Vastenburg Fort building. This building has been neglected, even though it is listed as a national cultural heritage building and is protected by the cultural heritage law. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the existing of the cultural heritage building assets of Fort Vastenburg. This type of research is evaluation research with a qualitative approach. The process of collecting data by searching archives and documents of ownership of Fort Vastenburg assets and in-depth interviews with parties related to the management of cultural heritage management of fort buildings. The evaluation stage is carried out by measuring the suitability between the regulations of Law with empirical facts in the field. Furthermore, an assessment is carried out using qualitative analysis techniques, namely: reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing or verification. The results showed that the land certificate owners of Fort Vastenburg amounted to 12. This makes it difficult for the Surakarta City Government to preserve the cultural heritage building of Fort Vastenburg, therefore the evaluation results are at a sufficient level.

The Belt and Road Initiative's impact on tourism and heritage along the Silk Roads: A systematic literature review and future research agenda.

This is a systematic review of the literature on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its impact on tourism and heritage in participating countries along the Silk Roads. China launched the BRI in 2013 with the aim of promoting global trade and stimulating economic growth through the development of infrastructure and cultural cooperation. This review examines studies for the period from 2013 to 2023, focusing on key themes such as tourist flows, destination development, urban renewal, heritage preservation, and cultural route revival. The systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, incorporating 56 relevant documents that cover both tourism and heritage domains. The findings highlight substantial potential for the development of new tourism products and destinations, improved urban renewal, and the preservation of cultural heritage, provided that integrated policies, public-private collaboration, and equitable community participation frameworks are implemented with attention to ecological limits. However, the review also identifies significant challenges, including financial imbalances, uneven access to benefits, social disruption, cultural commodification, and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues requires careful, context-specific planning. The study concludes with a proposal for a future research agenda that includes exploring underrepresented regions, developing sustainable tourism models, and fostering interdisciplinary research to ensure a balanced approach to economic development and heritage preservation. This review's findings provide valuable insight for policymakers, tourism officials, and cultural heritage managers, guiding the development of policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites. This research contributes to the academic discourse by elucidating the complex interplay between the BRI and the Silk Roads' tourism and heritage, offering a pathway for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Sustainable tourism governance: A study of the impact of culture

This study meticulously explores the intricate interplay between sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage, focusing on how tourism practices can foster the protection and revitalization of cultural and ethnic traditions within diverse communities in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam (Pan et al., 2018). The research problem centers on understanding how sustainable tourism contributes to cultural preservation and the economic upliftment of ethnic minority groups. The research aims to unveil how sustainable tourism can act as a catalyst for cultural exchange, economic development, and the safeguarding of natural and cultural assets, with a particular emphasis on the involvement and empowerment of ethnic minority communities in the tourism development process (Datta et al., 2015). Employing multivariate linear regression as its primary research method, the study rigorously analyzes case studies to draw correlations between sustainable tourism activities and their impacts on cultural preservation. The main findings reveal that sustainable tourism practices significantly contribute to protecting cultural heritage, enhancing community participation, and fostering responsible tourism policies. These practices not only support the economic sustainability of ethnic minority groups but also ensure the conservation of their unique cultural identities. The implications of this research are profound, offering valuable insights for policymakers and tourism practitioners aiming to harmonize cultural heritage conservation with community well-being. By advocating for the integration of community perspectives into tourism planning and policy formulation, this study underscores the potential of sustainable tourism to serve as a powerful tool for cultural and economic revitalization, highlighting its importance in the broader context of cultural heritage management and sustainable development (Gould, 2018).

Statistical analysis of principal components (PCA) in the study of the vulnerability of Heritage Churches

Built heritage is constantly at risk due to anthropogenic or natural threats. Its vulnerability involves factors related to construction form, state of conservation and urban pressure, for this reason the assessment of vulnerability depends largely on its conservation and restoration. Therefore, the identification of these factors and the analysis of the correlation between them can be an effective tool in the fulfilment of integrated plans focused on the preventive conservation of these buildings. This study focuses on churches built in America (Colombia and Guatemala) between the 16th and 18th centuries, which have been analysed by calculating a global vulnerability index. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to obtain a better observation of the set of data and vulnerability indices to evaluate the behaviour of the factors that affect the model. This first approach by PCA allows to identify similarities and differences in the factors that affect the global vulnerability of each church and facilitate the prediction of typical future behaviours to establish prevention measures applicable to various buildings, moreover this study allowed to analysing the common characteristics and threats to help cultural heritage managers to propose preventive conservation measures applied to the maintenance of heritage buildings and the generation of urban policies focused on articulated plans in risk management, that included criteria based on sustainability and resilience.

The protection of colonial heritage in the face of socio-economic dynamics (case study of downtown Ain-Beida-Algeria)

Algeria has a rich heritage due to the succession of various civilizations on its territory. However, the authenticity and cultural significance of its built heritage is being lost. The historic center of Ain-Beida, in particular, has undergone unplanned changes leading to inconsistency and lack of integration. To understand the factors that have led to the degradation of its architectural and urban framework, we have analyzed the urban policy and heritage management of the city, as well as the urban dynamics that have occurred in its historic center. Our analysis shows that the deterioration of the colonial legacy is a result of the urban strategy adopted by the Algerian state, the circumstances of the country, and the proliferation of urban dynamics. These changes have had a significant impact on the physical and functional aspects of the colonial buildings. In Algeria, the succession of multiple civilizations on its territory has given it a strong heritage potential. Lately, the built heritage tends to lose its authenticity, its symbolic and cultural dimension. The city of Ain-Beida, its historic center has continued to sketch images of inconsistency and lack of integration following anarchic mutations. Faced with this observation, we aim to focus on the factors that have led to the alteration of its architectural and urban framework. To do this, this contribution opts for a methodology which, on the one hand, is focused on the examination of the urban policy of the city and on the management of the heritage, and on the other hand, on the analysis of the urban dynamics occurred on its old center. The result of the analysis showed that the urban strategy adopted by the Algerian state through its legal arsenal and its institutional approaches, in addition to the circumstances of the country, translated by the opening of the marked, and which led to the proliferation of urban dynamics, all played a role in the deteriration of the colonial legacy which was exposed to profound changes in its physical and/or functional aspect.

GIS application in the analysis of transformations in the old core of Tiradentes/MG related to tourism exploitation in the area

This article discusses some of the possible contributions of GIS technology (Geographic Information System) to the analysis, planning and management of heritage sites, focusing mainly on the study of the effects produced in such sites by processes related to the tourism exploitation. To this end, it adopts as its object of inquiry the old core of the city of Tiradentes, in Minas Gerais, Brazil – protected by the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional since 1938 and characterized as one of the main tourist destinations in the country today –, for which it is proposed, firstly, the construction of a digital base in the QGis software and then, based on bibliographic and documentary sources, an analysis of its historical evolution, current conformation and main ongoing processes. A comparative analyzes between the characteristics of land-use verified on the site in the years 1980, 2001 and 2017 is also carried out. As a result, besides creating such a database for the municipality, a further study of the relationships between the transformations observed in the mentioned characteristics and the increase in tourism activity in the area is provided. Considerations are also presented regarding the effects generated on the preservation of local heritage as a result of these same transformations, along with possible recommendations for the effective and sustainable management of Tiradentes' cultural heritage.

The Role of Stakeholders in Practicing Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Example of the Koniaków Lace

This article analyzes activities focused on cultural heritage resources, undertaken from a local position. The theoretical considerations refer to the example of the Koniaków lace. This handicraft, despite the changing reality, for more than 100 years has continuously been a manifestation of the region’s tradition. Local lace makers adapt their forms to new emerging needs. The educational or commercial activity concentrated around the lace makes this skill an important bonding element for the local community. The lively activity of dissemination and promotion of the Koniaków lace resulted in an entry to UNESCO’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017. The Koniaków lace also became one of the elements representing the Silesian region at the 2022 EXPO in Dubai. These events are the result of cultural policies implemented at the level of the institution and the result of the activity of the local community, influencing and shaping the frequently emotional relationships within it. The purpose of this article is to present practices using Koniaków lace, which are related to such issues as cultural policy, heritage management, or community empowerment.

독일의 연방 문화유산법제에 대한 고찰을 통한 우리나라 문화유산법제 개선에의 시사점

With the enactment of ʻthe Basic Law on National Heritageʼ in Korea, The ʻCultural Property Protection Actʼ will be renamed ʻthe Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritageʼ(acronym: the Cultural Heritage Act) from May 17, 2024. The Cultural Heritage Act shall serve as the basic law related to the cultural heritage legislation. The Cultural Heritage Act includes such as contents; the establishment and promotion of the protection of cultural heritage as defined in the Basic Law on National Heritage, the creation of a foundation for cultural heritage protection, and the nationally designated cultural heritage, general movable cultural heritage, and municipal-designated cultural heritage. In the Basic Law on National Heritage, cultural heritage refers only to tangible cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage is separately classified as intangible cultural heritage. But both tangible and intangible cultural heritage should be considered as the subject of the cultural heritage legislation. Korea had a representative comprehensive cultural property protection legal system in the past, but government recently divided the Intangible Cultural Property Act, the Buried Cultural Property Act, and the Cultural Property Repair Act from the previous Cultural Property Protection Act. Furthermore, Matters related to the preservation and management of natural monuments and scenic spots will be stipulated in newly enacted the “Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage” (acronym: Natural Heritage Act). Although the laws was divided from previous Cultural Property Protection Act, the jurisdiction of the Cultural Heritage Administration remains the same. In order for an effective cultural heritage policy to be activated under the changed legal environment, it is necessary to analyze and examine international agreements related to the globalization of cultural heritage and related legal systems of major countries. And these analysis and examination will be contributed to make legislative and policy improvements to the issues that have been problematic domestically. In this regard, this paper aims to draw implications by examining the German cultural heritage legal system which the federal and state cooperate while maintaining a dual system. In Germany, the protection and management of domestic cultural heritage is protected by the State(Land) in the form of monument protection laws, and the federal government operates the cultural property protection law, which aims to prevent cultural property from being lost by controlling the export, import, and distribution of cultural property. I think it will be a great reference for improving legislation for the globalization of cultural heritage in Korea. In particular, the regulations related to the return of cultural properties illegally leaked abroad and the international exchange of cultural properties are worth referring to. Germany's Cultural Property Protection Act as a federal law has detailed regulations that control the export, import, and distribution of cultural properties, so I think it will be a great reference for improving legislation to globalize Korea's cultural heritage. In particular, regulations related to the return of illegally leaked cultural properties overseas, the guarantee of return of international loans, and the international exchange of cultural properties are worth referencing in Korea's legislative improvement.

청주시 미래유산 선정에 관한 비판적 고찰 -근대 건축물을 중심으로-

Cheongju City will initiate the designation of future heritage sites in 2023 by compiling and announcing a list of the selected sites. The concept of future heritage was first introduced in Seoul in 2013 as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage to future generations. This initiative addresses cultural elements that may not receive institutional protection under the existing academic and historical values outlined in the Cultural Property Preservation Act, which has been in place since the introduction of registered cultural property in 2001. The list of future heritage sites chosen by Cheon정주연gju City predominantly features modern buildings. As the scope of existing registered cultural properties has expanded from point-by-point designation and management to area-by-area designation, the process of designating future heritage sites should be institutionally enhanced. This enhancement involved emphasizing individual buildings, their associated cultural heritage values, and the facilities surrounding these structures. For the ongoing management and utilization of Cheong-ju's future heritage, there is a need to diversify the channels through which future heritage objects can be recommended. In Addition, establishing a system and organization to archive designated future heritage sites is crucial. This archive can be utilized to strengthen the local characteristics and identity of Cheongju.

Возрождение объектов исторического наследия на Северном Кавказе в условиях урбанизации

Introduction. The Caucasus attracts tourists with its historical heritage, but many monuments are under threat of destruction due to lack of funding. To preserve the heritage and develop the region, a strategy is needed to create a tourism cluster that will contribute to economic growth and the creation of new jobs. Many countries have used their historical monuments to develop tourism and the economy. In Europe and Asia, projects to reconstruct ancient cities and temples have led to an increase in the flow of tourists. The Caucasus has a unique heritage and can become a successful example. Restoring monuments not only preserves history, but also invests in the future of the region, its economy and cultural diversity. Materials and methods. The authors of this study analyzed a number of legislative initiatives, and also analyzed scientific and literary sources in the field of tourism and monument conservation. In addition to this, they conducted practical research using modern methods of physical and mechanical testing of materials and structures. These studies included quality control methods, as well as the use of modern mathematical tools for summarizing and processing experimental and statistical data. In addition to conducting their own research, the authors also took into account the results of previous scientific research and the experience of successful practices in the field of tourism and restoration of monuments. During the analysis of legislative initiatives, they took into account recent changes in legislation relating to the protection of cultural heritage and stimulation of tourism activities. The combined analysis approach included both theoretical and practical aspects, which contributed to a deeper understanding of issues related to tourism and restoration of monuments. This multifaceted approach also provided more accurate and objective results, supported by evidence and analysis. Results. The work provides an overview of the current state of monuments in the Caucasus region and examines their general characteristics. The essence of tourism as a key factor influencing the development of historically significant territories is analyzed. In this context, current trends in the field of tourism that have an impact on the preservation and restoration of the cultural heritage of the region are also considered. The role of tourism in the development of historical monuments of the Caucasus is undoubtedly high. The tourism potential of this region is based on its rich cultural heritage, which includes architectural masterpieces, ancient monuments and numerous archaeological finds. Discussion. Modern research shows that tourism contributes not only to the preservation, but also to the active restoration of objects of historical significance. Scientific and technical solutions play a key role in the process of restoration and maintenance of cultural monuments of the Caucasus. The use of advanced technologies also includes the use of remote monitoring methods, which allow us to constantly monitor the condition of monuments and quickly respond to any changes. This contributes to more effective and sustainable management of the cultural heritage of the Caucasus, preserving it for future generations. In general, the integration of tourism, scientific and technical solutions into the management and restoration of cultural monuments of the Caucasus region is an important aspect of modern practice, contributing to the preservation of the rich historical heritage of this unique region. Conclusion. Fundamental methods and methodologies were developed for organizing and carrying out work on the preservation and restoration of monuments of historical and cultural heritage. In this context, a scale for assessing damage and destruction has been developed, which makes it possible to more accurately determine the extent of damage and select appropriate methods of restoration measures. Based on current trends in the field of restoration and repair of cultural objects, the study included additional data obtained from the latest research and practical developments in this field. New approaches to repair and restoration requirements have been proposed taking into account modern standards and technologies. Resume. As a result of the research, effective repair and restoration compounds were identified, intended for use in various conditions and taking into account the specifics of specific historical and cultural monuments. These compounds meet the high requirements for preserving the authenticity of objects while ensuring the long-term stability of the restored structures. Suggestions for practical applications and future research directions. The research results can be useful in the repair, restoration and restoration of cultural heritage sites (towers, castles, historical monuments) both in the North Caucasus and beyond.

Giovanni Carbonara architect, historian, theorist

The paper aims to remember the scientific and human contributions of Giovanni Carbonara. He was a professor emeritus of Restoration, and the director of the School of Specialisation in Restoration of Monuments (now, Architectural and Landscape Heritage), in which he lavished his high intellectual and human value with courage and respect. His students have taken up his teachings in various activities, from teaching to research, and professional works. Since the Seventies of the 20th Century, his research has touched many fields of conservation, analytical study, protection, education, and management of cultural heritage. He was an intellectual also involved in various institutional fields for conservation. He was concerned with looking at the teachings of the past with an eye focused on the updates and new developments in the restoration’s thought. He was a promoter of the ‘critical-conservative’ line of restoration.

Review, Andrea Popa, Managementul integrat al patrimoniului cultural mondial în România. Studiu de caz: Frontiera romana în Dacia. Siturile de epoca romana de la Bretcu, Comolau si Borosneu Mare [Integrated Management of World Cultural Heritage in Romania. Case Study: The Roman Frontier in Dacia. The Roman sites of Bretcu, Comolau, and Borosneu Mare] (Sibiu: Editura ASTRA Museum, 2023)

The book titled “Integrated Management of World Cultural Heritage in Romania. Case Study: The Roman Frontier in Dacia. The Roman sites of Brețcu, Comolău, and Boroșneu Mare” is the result of the effort of Ms. Andrea Popa, carried out within the Doctoral School of the University “Valahia” of Târgoviște, successfully defended in 2023. The monograph is structured in four parts: 1. Introduction; 2. Types of Roman sites. Components of the Roman Limes in Dacia from the UNESCO Tentative List. Case studies from the proposed research area; 3. Management of the Roman frontiers in Europe; 4. World Heritage Stakeholders in Romania, followed by Final Conclusions, Bibliography, Abstract in English, and some appendices, which complement very well the analytical part of it. Each chapter is made up of four to seven paragraphs, which reveal a successful structuring of the work.

Developing MOOCS as a teaching and learning approach in cultural heritage studies

How can the teaching-learning of the complexity of cultural heritage adapt to new technological changes? How should geospatial tools be used for cultural heritage management in all its aspects? These questions are highlighted in this paper, which focuses on the conceptualization of spatial thinking and the need to master digital skills to improve knowledge of cultural heritage. As a practical result of the theoretical discussion, the study presents the experience of designing a massive open online course (MOOC) on Geotechnologies for Cultural Heritage within the MINERVA project, and discusses its implications for improving the digital training of students in this field.
 The results of experimentation in new pedagogical approaches and technologies in teaching and learning, such as those in this MOOC, on the one hand, offer teachers a clear opportunity to reflect on and expand their teaching methods, and, on the other, present students with innovative practices through spatial tools. These tools can help formulate new avenues of development for action, capable of responding to contemporary needs and challenges in the field of cultural heritage.

CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION AS A SOFT POWER INSTRUMENT

The article examines the “transformation” of the concept of “protection of cultural heritage” in the context of current international relations. The development in modern political science discourse of such theories as securitization of cultural heritage, “geocultural” power, and diplomacy of cultural heritage allows us to talk about a change, or rather, an expansion of the meaning of the term field “protection of cultural heritage.” Based on an analysis of scientific works devoted to the study of the role of cultural heritage in international political processes, as well as specialized UNESCO reports on the connection between the UN sustainable development goals and culture in general, and reports of some specialized structures (for example, the British Council), the following conclusions can be drawn. First, in the last decade, the potential of cultural heritage for state foreign policy and international heritage management has attracted increasing interest among researchers from different countries. At the moment, there is no single or established definition of heritage diplomacy. In earlier studies, heritage diplomacy has generally been associated with multinational cooperation in international heritage management within the framework of UNESCO. More recent concepts of heritage diplomacy have expanded to include more policy areas, such as sustainable development policy. Secondly, the concept of cultural heritage for international cultural relations should be conceptualized as a present- and future-oriented process through which realities are constructed from selected elements of the past. Thirdly, the political dimension of cultural heritage acts as an arena for the manifestation and negotiation of (dissonant) meanings, values and identities.

Digital Tools for Data Acquisition and Heritage Management in Archaeology and Their Impact on Archaeological Practices

The significance of data acquisition in archaeological practice has consistently held great importance. Over the past few decades, the growing prevalence of digitization in acquiring data has significantly transformed the landscape of archaeological fieldwork, influencing both methodology and interpretation. The integration of digital photogrammetry and laser scanning technologies in archaeology has transformed data acquisition, enabling efficient and precise documentation. However, this digital shift raises concerns about information overload, the potential loss of on-site insights, and the need for suitable data management methods. Over the past 15 years, digital tools like photogrammetry, laser scanning, and unmanned aerial vehicles have advanced cultural heritage documentation. These methods offer detailed 3D models of archaeological sites, artifacts, and monuments, with evolving accessibility and user friendliness. This paper delves into methods for documenting cultural heritage, examining the implications of various approaches on the archaeologist’s workflow and on the field as a whole.

Exploring the impact of cultural context on eye-tracking studies of architectural monuments in selected European cities: Sustainable heritage management

Sustainable management of architectural heritage requires conducting an inclusive diagnosis of users' opinions, considering both residents and tourists as the recipients of urban space. Given the cultural diversity within these groups, proposing the use of eye-trackers (ET) as an alternative to traditional public consultation prompts the need to assess the method's advantages and disadvantages. It remains uncertain whether individuals from different countries look at historical architecture and its transformations similarly. The uniqueness of this subject matter prevents drawing parallels from experiences in other domains. Moreover, prior research provides conflicting conclusions and may include methodological errors. This uncertainty impedes the adoption of ET as an administrative and legal tool. To address this gap, 320 volunteers, encompassing both Poles and foreigners, were invited. Qualification involved optometric tests and questionnaires. Subsequently, a portion of the participants underwent the experiment using ET while viewing visual stimuli on a monitor. The experiment featured twelve monuments, with six originating from Wrocław and six from another major European city (Paris, Rome, London, Berlin, Dresden, Dortmund). The study focused on the nature and pattern of fixations made on original photographs and their modified versions. Analyzing the collected ET data for 24 stimuli, two primary aspects were explored. First, whether both groups, irrespective of their familiarity with the object or the city of residence, looked at the original photographs in the same manner. Second, it was investigated whether participants cultural background significantly influenced observers' reactions to visual changes in the buildings. Only 8 out of 160 comparisons demonstrated statistically significant deviations. Other results, including visitor numbers, fixation counts, average fixation duration, total visit duration, and time to first fixation, exhibited similarity across the board.

Digital Twins. HBIM information repositories to centralize knowledge and interdisciplinary management of architectural heritage

It is obvious that the primary document will always be the building itself, but within the field of conservation, restoration or maintenance it is necessary to have a large documentary archive where the interventions are recorded. The older the monument is, the greater the knowledge of the built element must be before any intervention and this requires a lot of time in prior research and which can develop prior studies, in addition to the economic cost that it entails. This is why with the advancement of technology and digital repositories, digital platforms can be created within Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). This article reflects the experience of an eight-century-old monument, San Juan of Hospital of Valencia (Spain), in which a virtual twin has been made with software and specific web platforms in facility management such as Archibus©, EcoDomus©, Zutec© that allow the integration of information from BIM models and data acquired through sensors. With this work, although it is economically expensive and requires a lot of time for people specialized in the required programs, is improving the efficiency of facility management. and maintenance planning for large buildings and infrastructure.

Decolonizing Heritage Management Systems: New Directions in Digital Heritage Management from Namibia

ABSTRACT Heritage management continues to be an important subject of global relevance. A key tool in promoting and managing heritage is a system to record, monitor, and promote heritage assets. Across the globe there are numerous systems in place to do this. However, the majority are built upon ‘Western’ concepts of heritage and often fail in implementation in other parts of the world because they do not capture different definitions and approaches to heritage. This paper explores some of the challenges and limitations of past heritage management systems in Namibia. It discusses recent attempts to remodel the Namibia Heritage Resources Information System (NAHRIS) to provide better management tools in the form of a digital heritage management system and increase access to heritage, and it reflects on these experiences and their implications for decolonising heritage management systems globally.

A Study on the Classification System and Preservation Management of Catholic Moveable Cultural Heritage

This study conducted various surveys on Catholic Movable Cultural Heritage to understand the perception of them, and to investigate and analyze their types, characteristics, and conservation management status. It was determined that the risk of damage and loss is high due to the management status of practitioners who are non-professionals in the field of cultural heritage and the existing guidelines that are not effective. In addition, we identified the uniformity of materials and the period characteristics of the modern era, as most of the items are liturgical items made according to the norms. In consideration of this, we proposed a new classification system that lists the subcatagory’s items and materials corresponding to each item, a management card with improved nomenclature and detailed information fields, and concrete and tangible instructions to make it easier for non-professional practitioners to access. As the number of Catholic Movable Cultural Heritage is expected to increase in the future, the need for conservation and management and related research is expected to be actively conducted, and this study is expected to increase the interest in Catholic Movable Cultural Heritage and serve as a basis for further research.