Seminar on Economics and Heritage Conservation

A 2-day itinerant seminar on Economics and Heritage Conservation in Pune (Maharashtra) and Bangalore (Karnataka) to explore the interaction between the economic and cultural values of Tangible Heritage. (10 - 14 December 2012)

Economic development and revitalization has been increasingly reliant on cultural heritage and cultural assets. Because of its economic values, cultural heritage has been used in many countries as a tool for economic development especially in the urban context.

Hence, understanding the economic values of a cultural heritage is a crucial aspect, despite the contrary perceptions that economic or market judgment would adversely affect the Cultural Heritage site and its conservation. The economics of heritage is essential in the practical world of decision making especially with regard to the conservation of these heritage sites.

The specific focus of this seminar is to bring together international and Indian experts in the field of heritage conservation, economics, and public administration, and to provide an opportunity to discuss how heritage can be used as a resource for local development, how its values can be assessed, as well as various approaches used to measure the cost benefits of heritage protection and asses the economic benefits of cultural values

Drawing various examples both from India and abroad,the seminar will be structured around four thematically-focused sessions, followed by panel discussions and group workshops:

1. Heritage Economics Studies: Where do we stand? In India and abroad?

2. Monuments, Sites, Landscapes, Museums: Good practices of management of an individual heritage institution

3. Heritage for Development: Broader impact of heritage assets, brands, image and territorial development

4. Financial Mechanism: Integrated heritage-based development

The seminar is scheduled to be held in Pune and Bangalore, India, from 10 to 14 December 2012 (two days in each city). It is jointly organized by the Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, the Embassy of France in India, and UNESCO New Delhi, with financial and institutional support by UNESCO World Heritage Centre within the framework of the France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement.