‘No past, no future?’ An ICOMOS perspective on cultural heritage and the sustainability agenda

Bamberg's World Heritage status is not just about preserving its historical significance but also about integrating it with intangible cultural heritage, such as urban gardening traditions, to foster sustainable development. The study highlights how Bamberg addresses environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and peace and security, demonstrating that inclusive social development and economic growth are key outcomes of heritage conservation efforts. Bamberg's high degree of social cohesion and safety further underscores its model for balancing cultural preservation with broader societal benefits. This perspective, rooted in ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) principles, shows that sustainable development can be achieved by connecting tangible and intangible heritage, making it a relevant case for global World Heritage sites.

de Marco, L., Denyer, S., Durighello, R., & Yıldırım, E. (2018). ‘No past, no future?’ An ICOMOS perspective on cultural heritage and the sustainability agenda. World Heritage and Sustainable Development, 168–179. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315108049-14