Assessing the UNESCO community capacity building initiative: a case study from the historic city of Vigan, Philippines

A critical evaluation of UNESCO's capacity-building initiatives reveals that while such programs aim to empower local communities as heritage custodians, their effectiveness may be limited by preexisting community capabilities and social dynamics. The study, conducted using an ethnographic approach in Vigan, Philippinesexamined how homeowners interacted with a co-developed manual designed to educate them on conservation techniques. Findings suggest that capacity-building efforts must account for varying levels of social capital and adapt to local contexts to fully meet the needs of communities. The research provides actionable insights for future program designs, emphasizing the need for flexibility in addressing the complexities of heritage management at World Heritage sites.

Jian, W. (2025). Assessing the UNESCO community capacity building initiative: a case study from the historic city of Vigan, Philippines. Built Heritage, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-025-00196-x