The Resilience of Cultural Landscapes. Perspectives from UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This book explores the possibility of building the resilience of the UNESCO cultural landscapes, both using theoretical conceptions and practical strategies and actions. Two case studies have been selected, one in Italy and one in China, which have then been explored for the first time in such a comparative way. Different notions of landscape, as well as the driving force of changes affecting these landscapes, are examined and compared. Moreover, the perceptions of the local communities regarding these landscapes are examined, using online questionnaires with over 400 participants. This research highlights the need for an integrated management system, building stronger rural communities able to manage change and continuity. Five pillars to build the resilience of these landscapes have been provided, with schemes and figures, requiring a people-centered approach in their management. This book demonstrates strong connections between identity and landscape resilience, especially in inland areas where the sense of identity is most prominent. Furthermore, it is structured to make it possible to replicate this investigation in ordinary case studies, i.e. ordinary landscapes. Scholars and professionals interested in cultural landscapes and heritage conservation are the target of this book, as well as site managers.