Introduction into the Overall Message of the Book: Destruction of Heritage Is Destroying Identity – Shared Responsibility Is Therefore Our Common Task for the Future

Abstract

AbstractThe Introduction to the book “50 Years World Heritage Convention: Shared Responsibility – Conflict & Reconciliation” sets the stage by presenting the key message, background and content of the book. The identity-building function of heritage and its sustainable protection assume a central role. Accordingly, the chapter provides an overview of policy tools and academic debates engaging with this matter, while emphasizing the critical issues undertaken with the volume at hand. These are to reflect on whether the goals and content of the World Heritage Convention have been implemented accordingly; on the conflicts that have been affecting it over time and the need for sustainable strategies; and on perspectives for the future. This chapter further emphasises the requirements for diversity, arising from the World Heritage Convention and the variety of heritage properties, and it is reflected in the thematic, geographic and disciplinary diversity of the contributions in this book. For illustration, the chapter provides brief descriptions of conflicts affecting heritage, categorized into six areas, as well as summaries of the chapters which address them.