Andrea Martínez Fernández, Old Havana: Community Participation, Gentrification and Inequality

A significant divide exists among residents of Old Havana regarding the benefits and challenges posed by its UNESCO World Heritage status. While some embrace the cultural, economic, and aesthetic advantages brought by mass tourism and restoration efforts, others express skepticism about the city's designation as a World Heritage Site, questioning how such a 'mess' can be recognized on a global scale while failing to address local needs. The study, conducted in 2016 through surveys and fieldwork by Havana’s Historian Office and the Complutense University of Madrid, highlights the tension between community participation in heritage management—long celebrated as a model—and the growing inequality exacerbated by gentrification. It reveals that despite locals' deep connection to their heritage, perceptions vary sharply based on personal experiences, underscoring the need for more inclusive approaches to balancing preservation with local priorities.

Martínez Fernández, A. (2020). Andrea Martínez Fernández, Old Havana: Community Participation, Gentrification and Inequality. PLURAL. History, Culture, Society, 8(2), 18–29. Internet Archive. https://doi.org/10.37710/plural.v8i2_3