Participatory management of an urban world heritage site

A case study of the Historic District of Old Québec reveals that participatory management, even in a long-standing UNESCO World Heritage Site (20 years), faces significant challenges while offering valuable insights for broader application. The research highlights key elements and contextual factors critical to successful community-based heritage initiatives. Unlike prescriptive 'best practices,' this study provides a nuanced example of participatory management, questioning its relevance in less experienced contexts without prior local involvement. It introduces a conceptual framework and methodological approach for studying such cases, emphasizing the importance of context-specific analysis over generalized recommendations.

Dormaels, M. (2016). Participatory management of an urban world heritage site. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 6(1), 14–33. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-11-2014-0038