Decision-making process on heritage : values and statement of significance

Abstract

This article will start out by clarifying some definitions so as to avoid any misunderstandings. The main definition that needs clarifying is that of Cultural Significance and where this is embodied. According to the Burra Charter, Article 1.2 (ICOMOS 2013): “Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may have a range of values for different individuals or groups.” Hence to be in a position to identify the cultural significance, it is clear from the definition above that this is linked to the values that past present and future societies attribute to the heritage concerned. It is also important to identify the fact that values attributed to a heritage site may be different for different individuals as this is usually dependent on the culture, associations and meanings that site has for an individual or a group of people.