Learn & Discover

Community Engagement involves actively involving local communities in decision-making, protection efforts, and recovery processes related to cultural heritage, recognizing them as key stakeholders and knowledge holders.

Source: UNESCO

An organized system or framework for different stakeholders to work together effectively during an emergency. In heritage protection, a coordination mechanism might involve cultural authorities, emergency services, local communities, and international experts sharing information and resources. Clear coordination ensures that efforts like damage assessment, salvage, and security are carried out without conflict or duplication.

Source: UNDRR, UNESCO

The 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

Stakeholder 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

Stakeholder Engagement 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

The practice of involving all parties who have an interest or stake in a cultural heritage project throughout its planning and implementation. Stakeholders can include local residents, indigenous groups, government agencies, funders, NGOs, and researchers. Effective engagement means communicating transparently, seeking input, and collaborating on decisions so that the project respects the needs and values of those affected.

Source: ICCROM, UNESCO