Shanghai American School Pudong Model United Nations 2023

Forum: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Issue: Preserving cultural heritage in an urban context

Student Officer: Sophia Li

Position: Deputy President

Introduction

In the fast-paced urban environments of the 21st century, the intersection of progress and preservation
presents an ongoing and pressing challenge. As cities expand and metamorphose, they serve as crucibles of
innovation, diversity, and cultural exchange, profoundly shaping the global landscape. However, amid this
dynamism, humanity finds itself at a crossroads, compelled to consider the means by which the rich tapestry of
cultural heritage can be safeguarded and celebrated within the swiftly evolving urban milieu.

The matter of preserving cultural heritage within urban settings resonates deeply within the global society's
core. It prompts inquiries into matters of identity, memory, and continuity, as well as the obligation to ensure that
the priceless legacies of the past remain accessible to future generations. Striking a harmonious equilibrium
between urban development and the safeguarding of cultural legacy is a complex and delicate endeavor,
necessitating the collective wisdom, collaboration, and innovative efforts of many. Within the bustling metropolises
and burgeoning urban centers, centuries-old traditions, architectural marvels, and artistic masterpieces serve as
living testimonials to the shared human history. These urban landscapes offer a unique lens through which one can
contemplate the intricate tapestry of cultures, languages, and experiences that have molded the world. They narrate
tales of perseverance and resilience, of the customs that bond communities together, and the ingenuity that ignites
change.

Definition of Key Terms

Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage includes artefacts, monuments, a group of buildings and sites, museums that have a
diversity of values including symbolic, historic, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological, scientific and
social significance. It includes tangible heritage (movable, immobile and underwater), intangible cultural heritage
(ICH) embedded into cultural, and natural heritage artefacts, sites or monuments. The definition excludes ICH
related to other cultural domains such as festivals, celebration etc. It covers industrial heritage and cave paintings.

Urban Context

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The urban context pertains to the environment and characteristics of a city or urban area. It considers the
unique challenges and opportunities presented by densely populated and developed spaces, including issues related
to infrastructure, land use, social dynamics, and economic activities that influence the preservation of cultural
heritage.

Cultural Preservation in Urban Context

“Cultural Preservation in Urban Context” specifically refers to the efforts and strategies employed to
protect and conserve cultural heritage within urban settings. It involves the adaptation of preservation methods and
policies to address the complexities and demands of urban environments while respecting the cultural and historical
significance of the heritage in question.

Heritage Conservation

Heritage conservation is a subset of preservation that focuses on maintaining and protecting historical and
cultural assets. It often involves restoring and maintaining physical structures, artworks, or other tangible heritage
items in a manner that retains their historical and cultural value.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Intangible cultural heritage encompasses non-physical cultural elements such as oral traditions, performing
arts, rituals, and social practices. Preserving intangible cultural heritage in urban contexts involves safeguarding
these practices and traditions in an environment that may be undergoing rapid change.

Cultural Sustainability

Cultural sustainability involves ensuring that cultural heritage remains viable and relevant within a
changing urban context. This may include efforts to promote cultural practices and traditions, ensure their
transmission to future generations, and foster cultural diversity and inclusivity.

Urban Development

Urban development refers to the physical and economic growth and transformation of urban areas. It can
include the construction of new buildings, infrastructure, and the expansion of urban space, which may impact
existing cultural heritage.

Cultural Identity

Cultural identity relates to how individuals and communities identify with and define themselves through
their culture, including their heritage, traditions, and shared history. Preserving cultural heritage in urban contexts
often has implications for maintaining or reshaping cultural identity.

History & Developments

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Early Conservation Efforts

The concept of preserving cultural heritage can be traced back to ancient civilizations where rulers and
societies would often preserve monuments, temples, and other culturally significant structures. The desire to
safeguard cultural heritage was often driven by religious or political motivations. For example, the ancient
Egyptians preserved their pyramids and temples, while the Roman Empire took steps to protect important structures
like the Colosseum.

19th Century Romanticism and Nationalism

The 19th century saw the rise of Romanticism, which celebrated the aesthetic and historical value of
cultural heritage. This movement, along with growing nationalist sentiments, spurred interest in preserving historic
buildings and sites. Preservation efforts in urban areas began to focus on the conservation of architectural
landmarks.

The Evolution of the Conservation Movement, 1850-1920

Between 1850 and 1920, American conservationists invented the idea of the national park and developed
the national park system, establishing an international model for the preservation of natural beauty and wilderness.

Emergence of Preservation Societies

During the 19th century, the first preservation societies, such as the Society for the Preservation of New
England Antiquities (SPNEA) in the United States and the National Trust in the United Kingdom, were established.
These organizations played a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of historic structures and promoting
awareness of cultural heritage.

Early Urban Planning and Regulation

In the early 20th century, urbanization accelerated, leading to increased threats to cultural heritage in urban
areas. Governments and municipalities began implementing zoning and building regulations to protect historic
districts and landmarks. Notable examples include the Historic Districts in the United States and conservation areas
in the United Kingdom.

Post-WWII Preservation

The post-World War II era witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of preserving cultural
heritage, not only for its historical and architectural value but also for its role in fostering a sense of identity and
continuity. International organizations, such as UNESCO, were established to promote the protection of world
heritage sites.

1970 UNESCO World Heritage Convention

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The adoption of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1972 marked a significant milestone in the
preservation of cultural heritage. It established a framework for identifying and protecting sites of outstanding
cultural or natural value. Many urban sites, such as historic city centers, have been designated as World Heritage
Sites.

Integration of Intangible Heritage

Preservation efforts have expanded to include not only tangible heritage like buildings and artifacts but also
intangible heritage, such as traditions, language, and customs. This recognition reflects a broader understanding of
the cultural significance of urban contexts.

Major Parties Involved

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United
Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences
and culture. UNESCO administers a World Heritage Program, which maintains a list of sites worldwide with
cultural or natural significance. Countries can submit their own sites to the program which are then added to a

tentative list for review and approval. UNESCO's approach to managing historic urban landscapes is holistic
by integrating the goals of urban heritage conservation and those of social and economic development. This method
sees urban heritage as a social, cultural and economic asset for the development of cities.

International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

ICOMOS is a non-governmental organization that collaborates closely with UNESCO. It focuses on the
conservation and protection of cultural heritage, offering expertise in architectural and site preservation. ICOMOS
provides recommendations and advice on preserving cultural heritage in urban environments.

International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)

ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization that specializes in training and capacity building for the
conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. It offers programs and expertise related to preserving cultural
heritage in urban areas.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN )

IUCN collaborates with UNESCO on natural and cultural heritage conservation. It supports efforts to
protect heritage in urban areas that have a significant natural component, such as urban parks and landscapes.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

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In the United States, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a prominent organization dedicated to
safeguarding historic places, including urban areas. It engages in advocacy, preservation projects, and educational
initiatives.

Previous Attempts to Solve the Issue

Relevant UN Treaties and Events

 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 16 November 1972
 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, 10 November 2011
 Culture: Urban Future; Global Report on Culture for Sustainable Urban Development,
 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
 Strategy for the Reinforcement of UNESCO’s Action for the Protection of Culture and the Promotion of
Cultural Pluralism in the Event of Armed Conflict, November 2022
Historical Preservation Movements
The establishment of historical preservation societies in the 19th and early 20th centuries marked one of the
earliest systematic efforts to protect cultural heritage in urban areas. These societies advocated for the preservation
of historic buildings, landmarks, and districts, leading to the development of zoning regulations and architectural
preservation guidelines.
Historic District Designations
Many cities designated historic districts within urban areas to protect the architectural and cultural integrity
of specific neighborhoods. These designations often come with specific regulations aimed at preserving the historic
character of the area.
Documentation and Records
Preservationists have employed advanced documentation techniques, such as architectural surveys, 3D
scanning, and digital mapping, to create comprehensive records of cultural heritage sites in urban areas. This
documentation is essential for monitoring and preservation efforts.
Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Development
Encouraging adaptive reuse of historic buildings and sites, repurposing them for contemporary functions,
ensures their ongoing relevance and upkeep. Sustainable development practices that respect heritage values while
fostering modern needs can help balance preservation with progress.

Possible Solutions

Preserving cultural heritage in urban contexts demands a comprehensive strategy that harmonizes
the dynamic nature of cities with the profound significance of their cultural legacies. Achieving this
balance involves integrating cultural heritage preservation into urban planning, embracing adaptive reuse
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and sustainable development practices, and actively engaging local communities in decision-making
processes.

Integrating cultural heritage preservation into urban planning is a pivotal step toward
maintaining the historical and cultural richness of cities. This approach recognizes that urban
development should not be at the expense of cultural heritage but should instead complement it. By
embedding heritage considerations into planning processes, cities can identify significant heritage sites,
districts, and intangible cultural elements that need protection. This involves the establishment of zoning
regulations, land-use policies, and development guidelines that respect the conservation of historical
structures and traditions. The aim is to strike a harmonious balance between the need for progress and the
imperative of safeguarding cultural heritage, thereby ensuring that urban growth nurtures the continuity of
a city's unique identity and historical legacy.

Embracing adaptive reuse and sustainable development practices represents a forward-

thinking approach to the preservation of cultural heritage in urban environments. This strategy
breathes new life into historic buildings and sites, repurposing them for contemporary functions while
respecting their historical and architectural significance. By adapting these structures for modern needs,
urban areas not only conserve their heritage but also promote economic sustainability and vitality.
Furthermore, sustainable development practices prioritize responsible urban growth that harmonizes with
cultural preservation. Such practices focus on environmentally friendly designs, efficient resource
utilization, and community well-being, ensuring that urban heritage remains an integral part of a city's
present and future, fostering a balance between preservation and progress.

Actively engaging local communities in decision-making processes is a cornerstone of

effective cultural heritage preservation in urban contexts. Communities possess a deep connection to
their cultural heritage, making their involvement instrumental in safeguarding it. When locals have a say
in the planning, restoration, or adaptive reuse of heritage sites, their unique insights and perspectives
contribute to more informed and culturally sensitive decisions. Moreover, community participation fosters
a sense of ownership and responsibility for the preservation of urban heritage, creating a shared
commitment to its protection. By including the voices of those who live, work, and celebrate their cultural
heritage in urban areas, preservation efforts become more inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the
values and traditions that make these urban spaces unique.

Thorough documentation and the utilization of advanced technologies enhance the accuracy and
accessibility of heritage records. Heritage tourism and economic incentives promote awareness and
generate vital revenue, while robust conservation policies and regulations guard against unwarranted
alterations or demolitions. Simultaneously, the preservation of intangible cultural elements, such as
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language, traditions, and rituals, is equally critical. Collaboration between public and private sectors,
along with funding and education initiatives, strengthens the conservation efforts. Preparing for
emergencies and cooperating internationally contribute to a global understanding of the importance of
urban cultural heritage. By implementing this array of solutions, cities can ensure the preservation of their
cultural identity while accommodating modern urban growth and development, securing their unique
histories for future generations.

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All citations must be in MLA format. You may use www.noodletools.com or www.easybib.com to create
your bibliography. Please ensure that all entries in this section are ‘left-justified’ – as this paragraph is set out.
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