eritage Conservation needs participation and involvement of the community - A good heritage conservation strategy requires the active participation and involvement of the local community in all aspects of its development and implementation.
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What indeed is participation?
The idea that people should participate in planning, implementing and managing heritage assets has gained acceptance among governments and development agencies. Arguments in favour of citizen's participation has been touted for long, and ultimately it means a readiness of both the government and the citizens to accept responsibilities and perform activities. It also means that the value of each group's contribution is seen, appreciated and used. The honest inclusion of a community's representatives as "partners" in decision-making, makes for successful citizen's participation.
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Importance of participation
Effective and comprehensive participation of the local community in heritage planning and implementation will help in maintaining continuous dialogue between the government and community, so that a coordinated/integrated approach can be effected, and conflicts resolved. It also helps in utilizing resources to the best possible extent, and establishing a network where training and awareness building can take place. Community participation can be used to deal with micro issues, which usually suffer due to lack of focus and location-specific solutions.
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A participation how-to
- Use active rather than passive, and practical rather than theoretical methods. Involve everyone - assign tasks which ensure everyone is involved or has a chance.
- Begin with an activity which is of interest to all. Building a heritage map is a good start. Provide a simple outline. Each member can then put his or her house on the map. Other resources and landmarks can be added as required.
- Use small groups. A large group intimidates the less bold, makes consensus more difficult, and inhibits spontaneity. Small homogeneous groups where there is mutual trust and concern are more cooperative and supportive, at least initially.
- Provide meaningful data and information. For those with no or little education, statistics and academic information cannot be interpreted. Simple graphic models, numbers and charts should be used.
- Facilitate access to more information. Take the group to a library, a government office, school or on field trips where they can increase their knowledge base and learn where to go for information in the future.
- Conscientize the group!. Only when political awareness has been raised, are people willing and mentally able to help themselves.
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Externalities of participation
Multifaceted participation of the community in heritage projects provide a number of externalities. Participation of the community enables a clear identification and understanding of what the community needs and feels about their locality as a whole, helping local development plans. Since they are involved in the project planning process, they can assist in decision making and providing choices on location of services, beneficiaries, and community leaders. Participation ensures control over allocation of project resources, and mobilization of community resources for development. If implemented properly, community participation also becomes important for implementing project activities and in periodic monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
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