ABSTRACT
The concept of heritage has evolved from small, manageable sites to encompass larger spaces like urban areas, cultural landscapes, and metropolitan regions. Traditional conservation models focused on controlled management by a single authority, but new categories challenge this approach. Urban heritage and cultural landscapes involve multiple actors and factors, while historic cities operate in open environments with complex governance structures. The issue of scale has prompted a shift in conservation thinking. Large-scale heritage sites and natural areas like marine parks emphasise the need for adaptable “change management” strategies. The rise of metropolises, where most of humanity will soon reside, calls for revised heritage policies that reflect diverse and fluid socio-political contexts. The expansion of heritage also involves protecting vast natural and marine areas. The need to safeguard biodiversity and address climate impacts drives the push to conserve 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030. This commitment, reflected in international agreements and initiatives like the Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, signals a changing perspective on heritage management and its role in achieving harmony at a planetary scale.
