Participatory research on heritage- and culture-based development: A Perspective from south-east Europe

Abstract

The objective of the chapter is to highlight the relevance and implementation of culture- and heritage-led regional and local development in South-East Europe. By implementing the participatory research methodology at two major events in Europe, we analysed the practitioners’ views on the topics of culture- and heritage-led development. Our results showed that culture and heritage are characteristic and unique and could provide a distinctive added value for regional development as a branding tool, a factor of motivation, community empowerment and a strong element of local identity. Although protection is an important issue in cultural heritage, it should be complemented by education, identification, tourism and development, especially by fostering the economic potentials reflected in increased tourism flows and resulting multiplier effects. Culture and heritage are deeply embedded in a local context, so local communities must be closely involved in the management structures and their views and requirements must be considered. Participatory planning of such sites is welcomed since it includes “negotiating” solutions horizontally and vertically with the main planning goal of making positive changes in local communities and integrating both perspectives (conservation and development) to achieve sustainable futures.