How are sites selected for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and who decides? In what ways does our contemporary approach to heritage differ from that of several decades ago? What steps should be taken to increase cultural diversity on the List?
In the fourth interview of the ‘Heritage Voices’ series, Dr Katarzyna Jagodzińska talks to Dr Mechtilda Rössler, who has been involved with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre since its inception in 1992. In this interview, the expert shares her insights on the processes of inscribing sites on the World Heritage List, and discusses the challenges and concerns related to its development and heritage protection. The most worrying issues seem to be the politicisation of nominations and the ulterior motives behind them. Should the focus be on managing sites that are already on the List better, or on expanding the List with new sites?
We highly recommend reading the full interview.
