ABSTRACT
In the contemporary world, two distinct heritage models coexist: tangible and intangible heritage. Tangible heritage, prevalent in the West, emphasises physical sites like monuments and historic areas. Intangible heritage, emerging in response to cultural diversity, focuses on cultural expressions and traditional practices. While both heritage forms are managed by the same institutions, they hold different principles and conservation approaches. Tangible heritage encompasses fixed physical legacies, often tied to historical or architectural significance. Intangible heritage, however, involves living traditions passed down through generations, forming cultural identities. Notably, the dichotomy between tangible and intangible heritage can be problematic, as they often interrelate. Instances like Jamaa el-Fna Square in Morocco highlight this overlap, where cultural traditions and physical space are inseparable. Another dichotomy in heritage is the culture-nature divide, stemming from historical philosophies. This division shaped heritage classification under the World Heritage Convention. However, this separation overlooks the interconnectedness of cultural and natural elements. Initiatives like the IUCN Green List and collaborations between UNESCO, IUCN, and ICOMOS aim to bridge this gap and recognise the interdependency of culture and nature in heritage preservation. The concept of “biocultural diversity” reflects these efforts, acknowledging the inextricable link between biological and cultural elements in heritage conservation.
