ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the concepts of conservation and preservation in the context of society–nature relations. Generally, conservation is viewed mainly in the context of the so-called ‘natural’ environment and preservation mainly in the context of the constructed environment, be it urban or rural. The application of ideas of preservation to human artefacts exposes the flaws inherent in the naturalist preservation tradition. Certainly, the urge to preserve historic sites is rooted in the appreciation of human contributions. Increasing awareness of the intersections between human and physical processes accounts in part for the shift in focus from preservation to conservation. In contrast to preservation ideals that overemphasized the non-use of natural resources, conservation seeks to promote the sustainable use of resources. Cultural sites include areas displaying human creative genius; remarkable developments in architecture, technology, arts, town planning or landscape design; outstanding examples of cultural traditions; and so forth. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in cultural heritage.
