Sustainable heritage through a sustainable community

A shift from public-sector-led participatory governance to active, community-driven heritage management enhances both cultural preservation and local sustainability. Using Japan's Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki—UNESCO-listed in 2018—as a case study, the research demonstrates how everyday practices by residents, rooted in community resilience, effectively conserve heritage while fostering social cohesion. This challenges traditional models where private or public sectors lead conservation efforts, instead highlighting the transformative potential of grassroots initiatives in sustainable heritage stewardship.

Suzuki, C. (2022). Sustainable heritage through a sustainable community. Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Heritage, 154–165. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003038955-14