A Future for the Past: Historic Cities in Development

The case studies presented in this booklet are designed to illustrate the potential of cultural heritage for social change. They were presented at the Historic Cities in Development conference in Stockholm, Sweden, May 13-14 2003, arranged by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)'s Urban Development Division. A Future for the Past: Historic Cities in Development is a continuation of the conversation that began at the conference, and was produced in association with the School of Arts and Communication at Malmö University in Sweden.

Since the late 1980s, Sida has supported conservation projects that focus on integrated conservation and development, rather than restoration of single buildings. The objectives are not only to enhance the cultural and historical heritage but also to promote the local economy, the social and democratic aspects of development, and good governance. Insistence on respect for local circumstances remains fundamental, and the support of local arts and the preservation of historical buildings are becoming increasingly crucial features of international development cooperation. Development is understood to integrate conservation and rehabilitation goals, as illustrated by the fact that preservation of cultural heritage is an integral part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which stipulate that all countries should have a national programme for a sustainable environment, including the cultural environment.

This booklet is designed to illustrate the richness and complexity of the field through examples of Sida-supported projects. For instance, through the Bethlehem 2000 project, Sida initiated the rehabilitation of the central and historically significant Manger Square - which, prior to its reopening in 1999, had been functioning as a bus and parking lot. The square now functions as the main meeting place for the citizens. Bethlehem Peace Centre is a cultural centre that was also constructed at the heart of the city with the aim to promote and enhance peace, democracy, religious tolerance, and diversity.

As detailed here, Sida is also undertaking several efforts in Tanzania, including advocating for inclusion of the town of Bagamoyo (which in Swahili translates into something like "the place where I leave my heart") and the Trade Route in the World Heritage List. Support is also aiming at involving the local people in the burgeoning tourist industry and at the development of participatory approaches to planning and restoration projects in the town. And, in Zanzibar Stone Town, Sida is implementing a programme for the renovation of the old Stone Town in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), a non-profit organisation promoting the preservation of historical buildings of significance for local culture. In order to raise the people's awareness of their own cultural heritage and of their responsibilities, a number of projects have been implemented, including a television (TV) series that illustrates the problems associated with lack of cultural preservation from different perspectives and shows possibilities for positive change.

"Raising people's interest is often the most difficult part. Most of us working with the heritage come from an academic background while those living in the areas we wish to protect often are poor. Intangible values are not enough to convince people. They must see that they really benefit. Conservation and awareness building must therefore be integrated into housing schemes, art centres, unemployment programmes etc. When improvements take place, people start to feel the value of the area. Real changes happen when people living in the area feel that they are important."