Prospects and challenges for cultural landscape management

The contributory chapters in this volume bear out Meinig’s aphorism that the word ‘landscape’ in the cultural landscape sense encompasses ‘an extraordinary rich exhibit of the course and character of any society’ (Meinig 1979: 2). Such landscapes are remarkable documents of social history reflecting people’s traditions, intangible cultural heritage values and ideologies: documents waiting to be read. What becomes abundantly apparent from the chapters is that people must be regarded as the stewards, producers and sometimes owners of these landscapes and involved in their conservation management supported through appropriate training so that they can consolidate their own heritage. While conserving historical evidence, these cultural landscapes should continue as living systems economically and culturally viable within the framework of their authenticity and integrity. This requires public education programmes about the value of the landscape, the features that make it authentic and the responsibility to safeguard its integrity. Ultimately, the idea of cultural heritage is rooted in a sense of place and a sense of self-identity.