By Lindsay Wong ’20
Heritage sites are at the heart of a place’s tourism and history. World heritage sites are a place or building that UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) deems as having special importance and should be conserved and protected. They are valuable sites that are often some of the most popular tourist sites of a country. For example, Nara and Itsukushima Shrine are both UNESCO world heritage sites and also the most-visited tourist spots of their regions. Heritage sites have many benefits for humanity and countries alike.
Heritage helps to build and strengthen community. Heritage sites have historical and symbolic meaning, thereby adding character and distinctiveness to a place. Many cultural and religious events take place at heritage sites, instilling the whole site with meaning. In many cases, such events can define a place. This increases social inclusion as people of all ages can come together to appreciate a heritage site and learn about their local history, creating a community feeling among people with shared interests.
Heritage sites represent a place’s history and culture and are intrinsically linked to tradition. Tourists travel all around the world to visit heritage sites and get a feel of that country or city’s identity. At these sites, tourists learn about a place’s culture, history and the significance of the site. They also learn to appreciate the culture and history attached to that site. Learning about different cultures helps us to become better global citizens and approach situations with a more global outlook.
In addition to heritage sites being valuable in building community, these sites also support a sustainable environment. The adaptive reuse and conservation processes of heritage sites help to keep communities sustainable. Such regeneration projects have both environmental and economic advantages. Heritage also provides jobs to lots of people and maintains all types of businesses, including those not involved in tourism.
Heritage is incredibly important and heritage sites provide so many benefits to the community. As global citizens, we should strive to conserve these sites and continue fostering a community feeling by visiting and appreciating heritage sites, especially in such a fast-changing world.
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