eritage Conservation and urban identity/pride - A good heritage conservation strategy is critical to build a strong urban identity and pride in our cities and towns.
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Urban Growth
Cities, particularly in developing countries, have been steadily growing at a high rate, far outstripping population growth rates at the national or regional levels. This growth has also been a result of rural population migrating to urban areas to search for jobs and economic opportunities.
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Multi-cultural diversity
Cities therefore simultaneously present both a challenge and an opportunity for their sustainable growth, and for building a good quality of life. Most decision-makers fail to see the people themselves as a resource - as most of them come from different regions and cultures, bringing with them a broad multi-cultural diversity that can add to the 'salad bowl' of a city (and not the 'melting pot' as we always think it is!!)
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Urban anonymity
But without the necessary economic opportunities and jobs sought by urban populations, this has lead to a divided society of have's and have-nots, of skills, finances and access to resources. From a cultural perspective, this situation is manifested by the phenomenon of urban anonymity, of a culturally rich population unable to find ways to express itself.
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Need for a 'handle'
Providing opportunities for cultural and heritage expressions in a multi-dimensional society is a critical first step in any sound heritage conservation strategy. This requires a 'handle' - an anchor of sorts - to which people and their talents can revolve around. The inspiration can come in the form of a broader heritage 'platform' (literally and figuratively!) on which people can find opportunities to express their talent - which a city effectively offers!
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Urban identity
Many cities have reinvented themselves to develop this heritage platform by building and emphasizing their historical roots and cultural assets. Developing and facilitating such a platform gives credence and justification for a city to provide a distinct urban identity to cultural expressions and manifestations.
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City pride
The ultimate goal of all of the above actions - one that will ensure success of a heritage conservation strategy - is to develop pride in the residents of the city towards their culture and heritage. This will go a long way in facilitating active community participation in cultural heritage activities.
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