Discourses of Nature Conservation and Heritage Management in the Past, Present and Future: Discussing Heritage and Sustainable Development from Swedish Experiences

Abstract

The relationship between heritage management and nature conservation in Sweden has changed over time, from an earlier division between the two sectors – with nature conservation attached to the growing movement of environmental politics – towards more integrated ways of working under the umbrella of sustainable development. As forests have been associated with nature, the earlier divide has been more evident with forested areas than agricultural areas, a view that has contributed to the marginalization of such landscapes and their inhabitants. With the more integrated policy, heritage management is drawn into the societal discourse of ecological modernization, where environmental and sustainability issues have become new business ideas and sources of further economic growth. From an ecological modernization perspective, nature and cultural heritage are today (touristic) commodities, enforcing the power of the urban world over the rural world and thus risk contributing to further marginalization of the inhabitants. However, heritage sites appear to function as boundary objects in local communities, and may thus function as meeting places and sources of enhancement of community pride. Therefore, we argue for community participation and public communication within the heritage sector, especially concerning marginalized, forested landscapes in order to contribute to an increased knowledge and understanding of the local heritage and history, thus opening the way for creative local processes.

Challenges in Sustaining the Malay Traditional Kuih among Youth

“…One of the main challenges of the twenty-first century is to establish a sustainable society, meaning development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs [3] p. 368. It is crucial that these traditional foods are preserved for future generations [4].…”

Education of Environmental Awareness Based on Larung-Sesaji Ritual in Coastal Community of Bluru Village, Sidoarjo Sub-District, Sidoarjo District

“…The cultural heritage is a part of life but most people do not realize the value they represent our cultural heritage and the identity could slowly die if not properly maintained and inherited. One of the major challenges of the twenty-first century is to build a sustainable society, which means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (7).…”

Claiming a role for controversies in the framing of local heritage values

“…We hereby invite a consideration of the value of controversy and whether it can be regarded as a constructive common ground for discussions that contribute to decision-making. Critical thinking models have recognized the value of controversies as a means of keeping creative processes in urban spaces (Hutter, 2013), of raising alternatives narratives and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the public sphere (Nguyen, 2018), and of formulating sustainable urban management practices (Skoglund & Svensson, 2010).…”

“…In this context, local knowledge and activism are extremely important, as they are rooted in local culture, ecology, social contexts, and economies. Hence, controversies about heritage may contribute to the formulation of more sustainable urban development and management practices (Antweiler, 1998;World Bank, 1999;Corburn, 2005;Skoglund & Svensson, 2010). Thus, the CHUD Project was a missed opportunity to coproduce knowledge about the sociocultural and ecological role of the river in the urban development of the city at large.…”