Types of Cultural Heritage

In this lesson, we will deepen our knowledge related to cultural and natural heritage. We will describe each of the types of heritage and learn to identify them.

Which are the types of Cultural Heritage?

Now that we are familiarized with the term cultural heritage, we will proceed to explain its types according to UNESCO.
Cultural Heritage

1.  Tangible cultural heritage: 

-   movable cultural heritage (paintings, sculptures, coins, manuscripts)
-    immovable cultural heritage (monuments, archaeological sites, and so on)
-    underwater cultural heritage (shipwrecks, underwater ruins, and cities)

2.   Intangible cultural heritage: oral traditions, performing arts, rituals
 

What is Natural Heritage?

Natural sites with cultural aspects such as cultural landscapes, physical, biological or geological formations.

How are Natural and Cultural Heritage related?

Even though natural heritage is defined by UNESCO as “Natural features, geological and physiographical formations and delineated areas that constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants and natural sites of value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty. It includes nature parks and reserves, zoos, aquaria, and botanical gardens”(“Natural heritage,” 2017) and cultural heritage is directly related to humans, “There is an increasing recognition of strong interconnections between natural and cultural assets and of the need for their integrated management”(“Links between Natural and Cultural Heritage,” n.d.) since it is a resource of social cohesion and economic development. 

Conclusion

As the Katerini Declaration states, “cultural and natural heritage is a key element of a region or a city’s identity, providing a foundation for dynamic knowledge-based societies and contributing to social and economic cohesion. When combined with other natural and local landmarks and cultural traditions – with special regard of agropastoralism – the capacity to increase the attractiveness of these areas and to generate sustainable local economic development is substantially improved.”(Regions, n.d.)

Here you can find the content of this lesson in pdf: