Participatory research, collecting and mapping

Participatory research emerges as a powerful tool for safeguarding intangible heritage, particularly in marginalized communities. This study demonstrates its efficacy through four case studies—Museum Rotterdam's volunteer-driven collection, Museum aan de Stroom's partnerships with local trackers and explorers, the Tūhoe Tuawhenua tribe's environmental conservation efforts in Aotearoa New Zealand, and grassroots initiatives in Zagori and Konitsa, Greece. The research highlights how participatory methods, rooted in anti-colonial and anti-capitalist movements, can bridge gaps between institutions and communities, fostering inclusive documentation of heritage. By integrating social science tools with heritage preservation, this approach not only enriches cultural inventories but also empowers local stakeholders, offering a model for UNESCO's intangible heritage safeguarding efforts.

Alivizatou, M. (2021). Participatory research, collecting and mapping. Intangible Heritage and Participation, 28–64. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429426476-2