Abstract
This chapter researches the possibilities for the sustainability of cultural heritage in inland territories, focusing on the case study of two archaeological sites in Serbia. Two plans, the plan for the archaeological site of Gamzigrad-Romuliana and the plan for the archaeological site of Caričin grad (Justiniana Prima), were analyzed from the aspect of sustainable development. These plans were prepared in compliance with the principles of preservation, protection, revitalization, and use of immovable cultural property for the purposes of science, education, presentation to the public and tourism. The conflicts between cultural heritage protection and development of tourism were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, recommendations for the sustainability of cultural heritage in inland territories are given in the chapter.
TopBackground
In terms of covering the dimensions of sustainability, despite an increasing number of references in cultural heritage as a key for sustainable urban development, there is a lack of interdisciplinary understanding of how urban dynamics interact with cultural heritage (Guzmán et al., 2017). At the practical level, operational gaps emphasize a need to focus even more on developing incorporation and planning tools (Mubaideen & Kurdi, 2017).
Being registered on the UNESCO list comes with a great responsibility, both nationally and locally, to protect and preserve the World Heritage site for future generations. Indeed, legislation, policies and strategies should ensure protection of the outstanding universal value of World Heritage properties, promote active participation by the community and all stakeholders, and support the preservation of natural and cultural heritage (UNESCO WHC, 2016).
According to Li et al. (2020a), international cultural heritage management develops an inclusive and integrated approach primarily through a bottom-up process of decision making. This process seeks to collaborate with and empower local communities in the entire process of cultural heritage management (Li et al., 2020a). Local administration should promote new management approaches of world heritage cities, such as a process-oriented approach, which is sufficiently flexible, organizationally decentralized, favouring a multi-stakeholder approach (Petrić et al., 2020).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Governance: A set of mechanisms that shape social activities either by the administration, the private sector, or the civil society sector.
Spatial and Urban Planning: Methods by which the public sector influences the distribution of activities in space.
Mechanism: A process, technique, or system for achieving a result.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana: One of the most important cultural monuments from the ancient period in the world, archaeological site on UNESCO’s list, located in Eastern Serbia, on the territory of the City of Zajecar.
UNESCO: Specialized agency of the UN that promotes international collaboration in education, science, and culture.
Institutions: A significant practice, relationship, or organization (formal or informal).
Conflicts: Opposing actions of incompatible activities.
Sustainability: Balancing economic, environmental, and social factors in equal harmony.
Caricin Grad (Justiniana Prima): Archaeological site on UNESCO’s tentative list, located in Southwest Serbia in the municipality of Lebane.
World Heritage: Site designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance