Governance

Governance may take place at different levels (local, regional/provincial/state and national federal) and should be understood in a wide context to include legislation/institutional arrangements/democratic processes/citizens etc.

According to the World Heritage Resource Manual ‘Managing Cultural Heritage’ (UNESCO 2013), good governance refers to “the relationship between governing bodies, citizens and democratic processes, and the ability to deliver effective, functioning forms of government.”

Further, a definition for governance in the (cultural) heritage sector is proposed: “In its broadest sense, governance is concerned with holding the balance between economic and social goals and between individual and communal goals. The governance framework is there to encourage the efficient use of resources and equally to require accountability for the stewardship of those resources. The aim is to align as nearly as possible the interests of individuals, of cultural heritage, and of society.”

Source(s): World Heritage Resource Manual, Managing Cultural World Heritage