COMMUNITY

If it is in fact true that the Convention stipulates the value of the link between heritage and community, this does not help us overcome the dichotomous view of “us” and “others” if the community perceives itself as a closed, immobile, or barely permeable system. The only way to demonstrate and affirm the procedural, inclusive and dynamic value of cultural heritage in a post-structuralist perspective is to recognise, support and implement those same values as community values. This osmosis between individual, community and heritage – conceived as open systems – can help us achieve the inalienable goal of social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability.