erfgoed

Erfgoed is a Dutch term for heritage, referring to the legacy of a group or society that is valued and transmitted to future generations. It encompasses tangible evidence of the past—such as monuments, buildings, archaeological sites, landscapes, and everyday objects—and intangible aspects, including traditions, crafts, music, language, stories, rituals, and knowledge about the environment.

Protection and management of erfgoed involve national laws, local regulations, museums, archives, and community organizations. In the Netherlands, public authorities and heritage institutions coordinate conservation, documentation, and access; internationally, UNESCO's World Heritage Convention and related charters provide frameworks for safeguarding sites of outstanding value. Designation as a protected status can guide restoration, use, and funding, while private owners may receive technical advice and subsidies.

Conservation practices include survey and recording, condition assessments, restoration, adaptive reuse, and risk management against threats such as urban development, neglect, or climate change. Digital documentation and open access help preserve and share knowledge about heritage while reducing physical wear on fragile items.

Erfgoed is valued for educational and cultural identity, research, tourism, and community cohesion. It is increasingly seen as a dynamic process: living traditions can adapt while retaining core meanings, and communities play an active role in determining what should be preserved and how.