The social component of heritage
How can heritage assets promote social cohesion, participation and good governance?
Cultural heritage offers a great opportunity for Europe. The role of heritage goes beyond helping us to rethink territorial dynamics and the development of the continent’s urban and rural areas. It also goes further than collecting and distributing knowledge about Europe’s past and its opportunities for the future. Heritage is key to creating stronger social cohesion within local and translocal communities, as well as between them. The social dimension of heritage lies in the capacity of tangible and intangible heritage objects to create awareness of the broader environment; to generate communities, participation processes, partnerships and new governance arrangements; to enhance diversity and inclusion; to help rediscover and protect skills and identities, as well as ensure shared benefits.