Negotiating Authority: Local Communities in the World Heritage Convention

Power dynamics within the UNESCO World Heritage Convention significantly influence the inclusion and authority of local communities and indigenous peoples, as demonstrated by a critical analysis of Ironbridge Gorge. The study reveals that despite international guidelines emphasizing their intrinsic role in site management, local communities often face challenges in negotiating legal and intellectual authority due to bureaucratic processes. This research highlights the tension between heritage policy aspirations and practical implementation, particularly in European contexts. By examining case studies like Ironbridge Gorge, the paper underscores the need for structural reforms to ensure equitable participation and recognition of local knowledge in World Heritage practices.

Trelka, M. (2020). Negotiating Authority: Local Communities in the World Heritage Convention. Archaeologies, 16(1), 99–119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11759-020-09391-x