28 February 2008
24 February 2008
The Problems of Conservation in Developing Countries
Conservation and management of heritage is a multifaceted undertaking in which development, mass tourism and national interests are the main striving forces. Preservation of heritage in developing countries faces more problems than in industrialized countries due to threats such as environmental degradation, uncontrolled development and large scale tourism. In countries like India and China, rampant economic development and massive construction, the industrial capacity and population has burgeoned and consequently, the faces of these ancient countries are changing rapidly.
Historic and cultural traditions are an important aspect of community identity. Due to this reason there is a need from within the national population to connect with their heritage. The desire for access to historic sites has augmented to previously unimaginable scales and the ancient wealth of the countries is under previously unforeseen pressure. With all this attention from both national and international levels, arises a need to effectively manage and preserve the historic stock. Conservation efforts in the third world faces a wide range of problems and challenges such as negligence by the local governments to the pressures of tourism and economic difficulties.
Conservation and restoration of heritage in developing countries have two main problems: (a) the lack if awareness and acknowledgement and (b) the lack of resources. These problems are a result of the social and cultural changes in these countries that rapid development has brought about. Some countries have managed to overcome these difficulties and ensure appropriate methods of enforcing conservation.
Probably, the biggest problem faced by developing countries is that conservation is associated with “no change” whereas it is ideally the “management of change”. Proper management of historic assets requires active partnership between the community and the governing bodies. There is a need for public awareness and heritage consciousness at the local and national level. The importance of public understanding of the roles of conservation policies in protected areas, their enforcement and how heritage properties can become a part of the development process is indispensable.
Historic and cultural traditions are an important aspect of community identity. Due to this reason there is a need from within the national population to connect with their heritage. The desire for access to historic sites has augmented to previously unimaginable scales and the ancient wealth of the countries is under previously unforeseen pressure. With all this attention from both national and international levels, arises a need to effectively manage and preserve the historic stock. Conservation efforts in the third world faces a wide range of problems and challenges such as negligence by the local governments to the pressures of tourism and economic difficulties.
Conservation and restoration of heritage in developing countries have two main problems: (a) the lack if awareness and acknowledgement and (b) the lack of resources. These problems are a result of the social and cultural changes in these countries that rapid development has brought about. Some countries have managed to overcome these difficulties and ensure appropriate methods of enforcing conservation.
Probably, the biggest problem faced by developing countries is that conservation is associated with “no change” whereas it is ideally the “management of change”. Proper management of historic assets requires active partnership between the community and the governing bodies. There is a need for public awareness and heritage consciousness at the local and national level. The importance of public understanding of the roles of conservation policies in protected areas, their enforcement and how heritage properties can become a part of the development process is indispensable.
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