The legal concept of ‘heritage’ in the world heritage convention: The case of Yakushima, Island

Yakushima Island, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies the dual-edged sword of heritage registration. While tourism has spurred economic prosperity for its inhabitants, it has also given rise to significant social issues primarily driven by misinterpretations of the World Heritage Convention's concept of 'heritage.' The study argues that these problems stem from a flawed understanding of 'heritage' as joint-property or inheritance, which legally extends rights to all global citizens. By applying civil law concepts, the research clarifies that heritage registration grants universal access to the island's natural environment, challenging local perceptions and practices.

Hagino, M. (2016). The legal concept of ‘heritage’ in the world heritage convention: The case of Yakushima, Island. Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, 5(1), 11–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imic.2016.06.001