The Challenging Implementation of World Heritage Historic Centres’ Preservation Programmes: A Comparative Case-Study Analysis in Portugal

Local political support, funding, and management structure are the most decisive factors for the successful implementation of World Heritage historic centres' preservation programmes, according to a comparative case-study analysis of Évora, Porto, and Guimarães in Portugal. This study reveals that despite municipalities being major funders and promoters of heritage preservation, institutional capacity difficulties often hinder effective policy execution. By analysing programme documentation and conducting interviews with local managers, researchers identified these critical factors, shedding light on the challenges faced by Portuguese World Heritage sites. The findings underscore the need for stronger political commitment, sustainable funding models, and streamlined management structures to ensure the long-term preservation of these culturally significant areas.

Raposinho, D., & Mota, L. F. (2019). The Challenging Implementation of World Heritage Historic Centres’ Preservation Programmes: A Comparative Case-Study Analysis in Portugal. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 10(2), 178–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2019.1577347