Heritage, Development, Community: Methodological Reflections on Research-Action Experiences

This paper discusses the need for interventions by heritage protection experts to interrelate with the social and economic dynamics of the local society. In so doing, the paper stresses the urgency for approaches fit for addressing the complexity of the continuously evolving local systems, and for ensuring community empowerment. Also examined is the effectiveness of technical interventions that are preceded and accompanied by extensive socio-anthropological research into the specific context. Examples are given that show the variety of methods that can be used for this kind of research, and which also proved effective tools for participatory practices.