Bridging planned conservation and community empowerment: Portuguese case studies

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Teresa Ferreira (Author) FAUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Vol. 8

Pages: 179-193

ISSN: 2044-1266

Indexing

Scopus - 13 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-014-2B8

DOI: 10.1108/jchmsd-05-2017-0029

Abstract (EN): Purpose: In the present-day context of a sharp decrease in economic and ecological resources, planned conservation and community empowerment are key strategies for sustainable heritage management, because of their cost effectiveness, increased preservation of authenticity and socially development. However, there are still very few practical implementations, so the purpose of this paper is to present applied research to real case studies, as well as to demonstrate that preventive-planned conservation is increasingly successful when linked with the empowerment of local communities and users. Design/methodology/approach: This paper proposes a methodology that focuses on two complementary aspects: planned conservation (material component) ¿ undertaken directly on buildings, through inspection, monitoring, maintenance and repair activities; community empowerment (intangible component) ¿ afforded indirectly to users, through participatory strategies and training in prevention, maintenance and use. Findings: Based on an estimation of costs, this paper suggests that preventive-planned conservation strategies (pre-damage) can be one-third cheaper than the reactive and interventionist approach (post-damage). Moreover, this study also develops innovative ICT tools for the planned conservation of the built heritage, namely a specifically designed computer software/App (¿MPlan¿) that can be used to compile maintenance plans. Originality/value: The case studies are among the first applications of preventive-planned conservation strategies to the built heritage in Portugal. Different types of case studies are provided to better illustrate the methodological approach adopted and the results obtained. Special attention is given to the Romanesque Route, a cultural itinerary with 58 monuments (monasteries, churches, bridges, towers and a castle). illustrated manuals contribute to the empowerment of local communities and users.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14