This programme is based on the premise that heritage sites need to be understood as living places, where efforts to improve understanding and conservation of the sites must be linked to the values, interests and capacities of the populations that live within and around them and are their true long-term custodians of these sites.

The concept of living heritage can apply across a range of site typologies including archaeological sites, individual buildings, urban and rural settlements, cultural landscapes and others.

The goal of the Living Heritage thematic sub-programme is to promote awareness of the living heritage approach to the management of heritage sites and to create the tools necessary for heritage managers to successfully engage with local populations in the continued long-term conservation and maintenance of sites using this approach.

updated on: 23 November, 2007