Pyrotechnics as sustainable intangible heritage

Abstract

In the Far East, and many centuries later in the West, the art and science of pyrotechnics had developed to form an integral part of a festive event, cultural or otherwise. Indeed, as in the case of the Maltese Archipelago, the art of pyrotechnics qualifies as intangible heritage in terms of the UNESCO‟s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is an expression of living heritage which lends identity to a community and its cultural milieu. As the manufacturing process has to abide with optimal health and safety standards, the protection of fireworks production sites is of paramount significance. Development planning policies should be designed (i) to minimize the impact of such factories on the environment, whether it is natural, cultural and/or social and (ii) to protect these factories against urbanization, a major parameter in densely populated areas such as the Maltese Islands. Such policies should take into account the legacy of pyrotechnics, a cultural heritage of humanity. Working out and developing policies with the official authorities will guarantee implementable, scientifically grounded, planning regulations applicable to sites for the production and the setting off of fireworks. This will ensure sustainable existence of pyrotechnics with the socio-economic benefits which are associated with it.