culturalresource

Cultural resource is a broad term used to describe items and practices valued for contributing to the understanding of history, identity, and community life. It encompasses both tangible heritage objects and intangible forms of culture that are considered significant by a society or group.

Tangible cultural resources include archaeological sites, monuments, historic buildings, artifacts, landscapes, manuscripts, and art objects. Intangible cultural resources cover languages, oral traditions, performing arts, craftsmanship, rituals, knowledge of the natural environment, and customary practices.

In planning and development, cultural resources are identified, documented, and assessed for significance to manage potential impacts. This field, commonly called cultural resource management, seeks to protect resources while considering public interests, scientific knowledge, and educational value.

Evaluation uses significance criteria that address historical, architectural, archaeological, aesthetic, social, and spiritual values. Integrity, context, rarity, and feasibility of protection influence decisions about preservation, treatment, and potential adaptive reuse.

Preservation actions include documentation, stabilization, conservation, site protection, and interpretation for education and enjoyment. Collaboration with descendant communities and stakeholders is increasingly emphasized to ensure respectful stewardship and appropriate access.

Legal frameworks at national and international levels regulate identification, protection, and management. Examples include national heritage laws, and international instruments such as UNESCO's World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Threats include development pressure, looting, natural disasters, and climate change, as well as limited funding. Digital recording, community-based stewardship, and transparent documentation are common strategies to safeguard cultural resources.