Rural cultural landscapes and the purposes of heritage

Heritage designation of the Balinese subak system, recognized for its cultural and natural significance in 2012, reveals complex outcomes for rural landscapes. While such listings aim to preserve diverse traditions, the case of Bali's subaks—irrigated rice terraces and temples—highlights challenges in defining heritage purposes and conservation goals. The study examines whether designating everyday farming areas as 'heritage' achieves meaningful preservation or merely symbolizes recognition without tangible benefits.

Buckley, K. (2019). Rural cultural landscapes and the purposes of heritage. Routledge Companion to Global Heritage Conservation, 109–127. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315659060-10