Everyday Heritage – The Ordinary of the Extraordinary ‘Down Tradition’ in the Vega Archipelago World Heritage Area, Norway

UNESCO's designation of the Vega Archipelago as a World Heritage Site in 2004 has significantly transformed local heritage perception and land-use practices. The recognition, primarily for its nearly extinct eider down production tradition—rooted in sustainable fisher-farmer lifestyles spanning 1,500 years—has spurred renewed interest in this 'living tradition,' despite limited prior knowledge among locals. This shift has not only fostered tourist initiatives but also reshaped cultural preservation policies and land management regimes, illustrating the profound impact of heritage status on both local communities and broader conservation efforts.

(Ed.). (2016). Everyday Heritage – The Ordinary of the Extraordinary ‘Down Tradition’ in the Vega Archipelago World Heritage Area, Norway. Heritage, Democracy and the Public, 231–246. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315586670-26