Social License to Operate
Ethics & Community
Social License to Operate
Ethics & CommunitySocial License to Operate describes ethical principles or engagement practices that protect people, respect communities, and improve collaboration in heritage work. It emphasizes consent, accountability, and culturally appropriate decision-making.
Source: ICCROM, UNESCO
Social License to Operate
Legal & Organizations
Social License to Operate
Legal & OrganizationsThe level of acceptance or approval by local communities and stakeholders for a heritage project or institution. It’s an informal, intangible permission – a museum or excavation might have legal permits, but the social license depends on whether the community feels the activity is respectful, beneficial, and aligned with their values. Earning and maintaining a social license involves trust-building, dialogue, and demonstrating social value.
Source: UNESCO, Hague Convention, UNIDROIT, ICOM
