What is cultural heritage and why is it worth safeguarding?

Cultural heritage goes beyond monuments and collections of objects. It also includes the intangible: traditions and living expressions inherited from generations before and passed on to generations present and future. Rituals, knowledge, skills, performing arts, practices and events—these are all part of the cultural heritage that play a part in defining a people, society or community. Culture consists of components that are symbolic, thus the act, tradition, or skill itself often represents larger values that are important to the cultural group they stem from.

As a mirror of the struggles, aspirations, and memory of a people, culture is a decisive factor in the formation and continuity of a shared sense of identity. Respect and trust in one's own culture and traditions is a significant influence in the development and progress of a people. Bodies like UNESCO have recognized the demonstrated power of culture, when interconnected by the practice of a living heritage, as leverage for boosting distinct areas of economic, social, political and artistic life. Such development is based on ideas of meaningful sustainability, and recognizes that progress is most effective when in the hands of the people themselves.

Cultural inheritance is not passive, but active. Conscious choices and selections need to be made in order for culture to be passed on. The implications of this for any conservation efforts are clear: cultural heritage needs to be consciously acknowledged and acted upon in order to be passed on.

The safeguarding of cultural heritage also allows for and encourages cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. When communicated and shared constructively, culture builds bridges of understanding and trust across a multicultural space.