Critical Approaches to Heritage for Development

This book explores the interplay between heritage and development, addressing global initiatives and local strategies in the Global South, while examining themes like colonial legacies, sustainability, and community engagement. Critical Approaches to Heritage for Development serves as a valuable resource for students and practitioners across various disciplines.

Critical Approaches to Heritage for Development explores the intricate relationship between heritage and development, focusing on perspectives from UNESCO and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while examining local activism and political strategies in various Global South countries. The book emphasizes the importance of culturally informed approaches to international development, positing that engaging with heritage can leverage historical practices and meanings to foster future growth.

The contributors, comprising researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines, delve into significant themes such as health, environmental sustainability, peace, security, tourism, and economic development. A central question the book raises is about the implications of using heritage for development: whose histories and futures are being prioritized in these efforts? It critically addresses the legacies of colonialism and the pressing need for decolonization, alongside discussions of expertise, ownership, and agency.

This book serves as a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers in fields such as history, heritage, education, archaeology, geography, and development studies. It offers insights into the dynamic and often contested interpretations of heritage and its role in development initiatives, encouraging readers to reflect on the complexities of these relationships. Ultimately, it highlights the need for a thoughtful approach to heritage that considers both its historical significance and its potential for shaping future development trajectories.