Bridging Nature and Culture

A significant shift in conservation practices has emerged over the past four decades, bridging the gap between nature and culture within UNESCO World Heritage sites. The study highlights how local communities and managers have adopted a holistic approach to conservation, integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in Senegal exemplifies this transformation, where new mechanisms center local communities' integrated understanding of nature and culture, aligning government priorities with community concerns. This shift reflects a broader trend towards respecting global cultural diversity and world views, fostering a unified ethic of conservation that transcends the traditional binary divide.

(Ed.). (2012). Bridging Nature and Culture. World Heritage, 4–6. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139567657.003