[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 10-2] Preservation and Development of Heritage

[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 10 Efforts Towards Preservation of Heritage]

[10-2] Preservation and Development of Heritage: How Should We Preserve and Develop Heritage?

 

◆ Learning Objectives

1. Understand the diverse heritage of humanity and appreciate its value.

2. Understand the importance of preserving and developing heritage for future generations.

3. Recognize that the greatest heritage is world peace.

 

Preserving and Developing Heritage

Preservation and Development: Preservation means protecting and maintaining the valuable heritage left by our ancestors. Development means enhancing or advancing it to a better state.

 

How to Preserve and Develop Heritage

Every heritage has its unique value, which must be respected, preserved, and developed. The future of humanity is built on the foundation of countless heritages. The responsibility of preserving and developing heritage lies with every member of the community. Let’s take an interest in the heritage of our region and community and make small efforts to contribute.

 

1. Why We Must Preserve Heritage

We must preserve heritage because it encompasses not only historical and cultural value but also the spirit and wisdom of our ancestors. However, the reality is that the importance of heritage preservation is often overlooked. Many believe that preserving heritage is the responsibility of the state and experts, not individuals. Heritage is sometimes seen merely as a tourist attraction or a means to earn foreign currency, leading to its misuse and damage. For example, some tourists vandalize heritage sites or steal artifacts as souvenirs.

Furthermore, failing to acknowledge the diversity of races, religions, cultures, and ideologies can lead to the devaluation of heritage from other regions or countries. This stems from a lack of proper understanding and education about heritage. Extremist groups have also caused significant damage to world heritage sites. For instance, in 2014, the tomb of Prophet Jonah in Iraq, dating back to the 8th century BCE, was destroyed by armed forces. Similarly, Egypt’s Islamic Art Museum was severely damaged by a car bomb attack, leading to its closure.

Another example is the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, known as the "Oasis of the Syrian Desert," which was partially destroyed by looters. Such acts of selfishness and conflict continue to endanger world heritage sites globally. Recognizing the seriousness of heritage destruction, we must make efforts to preserve the heritage that embodies human history and spirit. This begins with viewing heritage preservation as a matter that concerns us personally and taking an interest in it.

Image from Pixabay

2. The Case of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

In the late 20th century, Cambodia experienced 25 years of civil war. One of the driving forces behind overcoming the physical, economic, and human damage caused by the war was Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat heritage site, which dates back to the 9th to 15th centuries of the Khmer Empire, helped the Cambodian people overcome the wounds of the civil war and reunite. It also instilled a sense of pride in being citizens of Cambodia.

In 1995, the international community established the "Authority for the Protection and Safeguarding of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap" (APSARA) to continuously provide resources for the restoration and preservation of Angkor Wat. APSARA implemented policies to progressively integrate the local community into all stages of heritage management, achieving sustainable use and protection of the heritage site in collaboration with the local community. APSARA and the residents built mutual trust and cooperation, focusing on improving living conditions through tourism and involving residents in heritage preservation and management.

Residents also strengthened their roles and capabilities to develop heritage, forming village development committees through elections. Subcommittees were set up to handle specific programs in areas like agriculture, livestock, forest management, crafts, microloans, drinking water, and renewable energy. APSARA supported these committees in achieving their goals. Efforts were also made to preserve and develop intangible heritage by studying and interpreting the traditional lifestyles of the local community.

 

Image from Pixabay

The Angkor Wat case demonstrates that preserving and developing heritage is not solely a government-driven initiative but requires the cooperation of the local community living around the heritage. Such joint efforts revive and develop the history and values embedded in the heritage.

 

3. Efforts from Various Levels to Preserve and Develop World Heritage

On January 16, 1972, at the 17th UNESCO General Conference, the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage" was adopted. Since then, countries worldwide have been striving to list their cultural and natural heritage with Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as UNESCO World Heritage. As of 2017, there are 1,073 World Heritage sites in 167 countries, including 832 cultural heritage sites, 206 natural heritage sites, and 35 mixed heritage sites.

Image from Pixabay

Countries make various efforts to preserve and manage their heritage, not just by listing it as World Heritage but also by promoting understanding and involvement. Visiting and experiencing heritage sites with family or friends, and introducing and educating others about local heritage are small but meaningful efforts. Schools can connect heritage with the curriculum, allowing discussions and learning through club activities or after-school programs. Teachers and students can participate in activities to care for and promote heritage.

Non-governmental organizations can develop and run citizen participation programs in education, volunteering, cultural experiences, and monitoring for heritage protection. Companies can contribute to heritage preservation through social contributions, seminars, and utilizing their resources and manpower. Some companies enter agreements with cultural heritage administrations or run independent programs for heritage preservation.

While national efforts are crucial, the starting point is for individuals to recognize the importance of heritage preservation and adopt a mindset of "starting with me." As members of the state and local community, we all have the responsibility to preserve and develop the heritage passed down from our ancestors. We must also strive to uncover and continue the rightful spirit and values of our ancestors.

 

◆Reflection

1. Identify a heritage you want to preserve and develop. Share your thoughts and discuss with others.

2. What efforts can you and others make to preserve and develop national and family heritage? Plan and share your ideas.