Heritage conservation is obtained from the words ‘heritage’ and ‘conservation’. Heritage is widely known and described as that which has been passed on to the present by former generations. Conservation, on the other hand, is the preserving and protecting something for future references (Historic England, 2016). From these two definitions, heritage preservation can be described as the preserving and protecting of all that which has been passed onto the present from former generations. The community plays a central role in conserving heritage, especially for development. As such, the forces behind community heritage conservation are the sense of belonging and tourism.
The contemporary community takes high value in its heritage from cultural to artificial treasures. They view culture as a possession placed under their care; hence, it is their responsibility to maintain and to preserve it. For instance, regarding cultural heritage, many communities have passed on their traditions from one generation to the other. In order to achieve this, they keep educating new generations on the importance of maintaining their cultural heritage. It is argued that heritage preservation gives a community a sense of belonging and unity (Cultivating Culture, 2013). Even the national treasures, in the form of museums, are a form of heritage. Most of these artifacts portray a narrated story, and it is in this that a feeling of oneness and unity is developed in the community. Monuments, expressing significant historical events are continuously maintained to ensure they remain in place. Such monuments act as symbols of hope and strength in the community. They also stir a great feeling of togetherness among community members.
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Preservation of this heritage improves a community’s well-being. Heritage has become a paramount source of tourism attraction over time. People travel from far to come and learn, or even witness other people’s heritages. These tourists pay for services given to them. The services may include explanations about a community’s cultural heritage or viewing the artificial treasures. The funds gained from these services are mostly used to benefit the community. Most people within the community even get jobs from such courses; thus, boosting their economies status.
A community’s heritage is, thereby, a crucial pillar of development and growth. It strengthens the society through prioritization of its acts and perspectives towards the realization of its social, economic and environmental policies (The Scottish Community Development Centre, 2016). Conservation of such heritages is something that should be taken with the seriousness it deserves. Also, heritage holds communities together at a time when they face challenges such as racialism and tribalism.
References
Cultivating Culture. (2013). The Importance of Cultural Heritage . Retrieved from http://www.cultivatingculture.com/2013/04/05/the-importance-of-cultural-heritage/.
Historic England. (2016). Heritage Conservation Defined . Retrieved from https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/hpg/generalintro/heritage-conservation-defined/.
The Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC). (2016). What is Community Development? Retrieved from http://www.scdc.org.uk/who/what-is-community-development/.
