Colonial Heritage in Paramaribo, Suriname: Legislation and Senses of Ownership, a Dilemma in Preservation?

Effective preservation of colonial heritage, such as the historic inner city of Paramaribo, Suriname, hinges on resolving complex ownership dilemmas and legal challenges. This study reveals that successful monument preservation policies are intricately linked to legal property rights, legislation enforcement, and stakeholder cooperation—especially in multicultural contexts where colonial structures may be perceived as alien. Despite international recognition of heritage value, Paramaribo's case demonstrates persistent tensions between national policy goals and local realities, including economic priorities and political will. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing Suriname's legislative framework and field data to assess its effectiveness, highlighting critical gaps in enforcement and stakeholder engagement that hinder preservation efforts.

van Maanen, E., & Ashworth, G. (2013). Colonial Heritage in Paramaribo, Suriname: Legislation and Senses of Ownership, a Dilemma in Preservation? International Journal of Cultural Property, 20(3), 289–310. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0940739113000131