Living heritage, community participation and sustainability

Hoi An Ancient Town demonstrates that living heritage, when combined with community participation, can significantly enhance sustainable preservation and reduce tensions between local residents and broader urban development. The study highlights the importance of a community-based approach to heritage management, which supports locals in maintaining their way of life while preserving cultural significance. However, it also identifies a key limitation: the lack of facilitators hinders deeper community engagement. This research contributes new insights into how living heritage can bridge social, economic, and environmental scales beyond designated World Heritage boundaries, offering a model for balancing preservation with dynamic urban growth.

Huong, P. T. T. (2015). Living heritage, community participation and sustainability. Urban Heritage, Development and Sustainability, 274–290. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315728018-15