Indigenous-based heritage management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Rapa Nui and the Indigenous governance of the Rapa Nui National Park

Indigenous-based governance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites can effectively align with Indigenous rights and conservation strategies, as demonstrated by the Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island. This study reveals that such systems not only preserve cultural heritage but also strengthen Indigenous autonomy within protected areas. The research analyzed the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention alongside ethnographic data from Rapa Nui, showing how Indigenous management models can serve as a blueprint for harmonious coexistence between conservation and Indigenous rights. This approach offers a viable framework for other World Heritage Sites seeking to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their governance structures.

Jornet Aguareles, C. (2023). Indigenous-based heritage management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Rapa Nui and the Indigenous governance of the Rapa Nui National Park. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 29(5), 413–427. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2023.2193814