Cultural landscapes: exploring local people's understanding of cultural practices as “heritage”

World Heritage designation for cultural landscapes, such as the vineyard landscape of Piedmont (Italy), risks reinforcing top-down heritage narratives that prioritize 'outstanding universal values' while marginalizing local voices and diverse practices. This study reveals that official recognition often excludes other meaningful values, memories, and community perspectives, thereby limiting inclusive engagement in decision-making processes. The research employs qualitative analysis to explore how residents perceive and articulate heritage significance, challenging the assumption that UNESCO criteria capture the full spectrum of landscape meanings. It highlights a disconnect between global heritage standards and local lived experiences, raising questions about whose narratives shape cultural identity and whether communities desire active participation in shaping their heritage's future.

Settimini, E. (2020). Cultural landscapes: exploring local people’s understanding of cultural practices as “heritage”. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 11(2), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-03-2020-0042