Contested Heritage

Contested Heritage: Global Perspectives on Stakeholders’ (Dis)Harmony at Heritage Locales explores the intricate relationships surrounding heritage, emphasizing the diverse, often contradictory, meanings attributed to heritage sites, historic towns, and museum objects by various stakeholders.

The book is structured into four parts, beginning with foundational contributions from leading scholars that set the context for understanding conflicts affecting heritage. Subsequent sections present case studies from around the world, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas, documenting how various heritage sites and historic towns experience conflict and its implications for sustainability. Topics range from the pressures of mass tourism and urban regeneration to the impacts of mining and community contestations, revealing the conflict and negotiations that often arise between and among stakeholders. By addressing tensions at heritage sites, historic towns and in museums, the book offers pathways for sustainable heritage practices that promote inclusive growth and community resilience. Through its diverse case studies, globally, it enhances an understanding of the silent tensions at heritage locales and underscores the importance of collaborative approaches in heritage management.

This comprehensive volume is essential for anyone interested in heritage management, offering fresh insights and case studies that illuminate the challenges and opportunities in this vital field. This volume is particularly valuable for academics, students, heritage practitioners, and policymakers, as it provides original research and practical strategies for fostering cooperation and mitigating conflicts.