Merging research, conservation and community engagement

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Borona ◽  
Emmanuel Ndiema
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Rock Art ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Community Projects

Purpose – Archaeological, palaeontological and geological research has been conducted in Kenya for many years. These research efforts have resulted in exceptional depth of understanding of the region's cultural heritage including those with rock art. Unfortunately, very few of the research programmes have engaged communities as active participants in conservation and consumers of the research findings. The purpose of this paper is to report how collaboration between the National Museums of Kenya and the Trust of African Rock Art (TARA) is creating a link between research, conserving heritage and community engagement. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of two rock art tourism community projects undertaken by TARA will reveal that engaging communities and disseminating research findings does not only foster preservation of sites but is critical in transforming rock art sites into economic endeavours whose outcomes are providing alternative livelihoods. Findings – Community engagement remains the only viable way of ensuring long-term conservation of heritage sites going forward. Originality/value – TARA is the only organization conducting this kind of work in the African continent. This case study therefore, provides authentic information on local community involvement as a conservation strategy in the African context.

Therapeutic communities and the local community: isolation or integration?

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 150-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Best ◽  
Gerard Byrne ◽  
David Pullen ◽  
Jacqui Kelly ◽  
Karen Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Salvation Army ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of utilising an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model in the context of an Alcohol and Other Drug Therapeutic Community, and to use this as a way of assessing how TCs can contribute to the local communities in which they are sited. Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative action research project, based on an evolving model in which key stakeholders from participating sites were instrumental in shaping processes and activities, that is a partnership between a research centre, Turning Point in Melbourne, Australia and two Recovery Services operated by the Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory (TSA). One of these is the Dooralong Transformation Centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales and the other, Fairhaven, is in the Gold Coast hinterland of Queensland, Australia. The project was designed to create “rehabilitation without walls” by building bridges between the treatment centres and the communities they are based in, and improving participation in local community life. This was done through a series of structured workshops that mapped community asset networks and planned further community engagement activities. Findings – Both of the TCs already had strong connections in their local areas including but not restricted to involvement with the mutual aid fellowships. Staff, residents and ex-residents still in contact with the service were strongly committed to community engagement and were able to identify a wide range of connections in the community and to build these around existing Salvation Army connections and networks. Research limitations/implications – This is a pilot study with limited research findings and no assessment of the generalisability of this method to other settings or TCs. Practical implications – Both TCs are able to act as “community resources” through which residents and ex-residents are able to give back to their local communities and develop the social and community capital that can prepare them for reintegration and can positively contribute to the experience of living in the local community. Social implications – This paper has significant ramifications for how TCs engage with their local communities both as a mechanism for supporting resident re-entry and also to challenge stigma and discrimination. Originality/value – The paper and project extend the idea of ABCD to a Reciprocal Community Development model in which TCs can act as active participants in their lived communities and by doing so can create a “therapeutic landscape for recovery”.

scholarly journals Community perception of heritage values regarding a global monument in Ghana: Implications for sustainable heritage management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justice Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Local People ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Site ◽  
The People ◽  
Limited Opportunity

Purpose Scholarly discourses regarding heritage values for sustainable heritage management abound in heritage literature but appear elitist as they tend to exclude the perspectives of the people at the lower echelons of society. The study explored the values ascribed to a global heritage monument by the people living around a global heritage site in Ghana and the implications of their perceptual values for sustainable heritage management. Design/methodology/approach This study used the qualitative design. It was guided by Costin’s heritage values, community attachment theory and values-based approach to heritage management. Data was gathered from the local people living close to the heritage site, and the staff of Museums and Monuments Board at the heritage site. Data were gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analysed using the thematic approach and most significant stories. Findings The results revealed that the local people were aware of the economic, aesthetic, historic, symbolic and informational values of the heritage monument but showed little attachment to the monument. The main reasons for the low attachment were the limited opportunity for them to participate in the management of the monument, and the limited opportunity for direct economic benefits from the heritage asset. Research limitations/implications A comprehensive understanding of heritage monument management that reflects the perspectives and values of the local people is imperative. Practical implications United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board could consider a more community-inclusive heritage management framework that takes cognizance of local values and perspectives to ensure sustainable heritage management and development. Social implications The values and perspectives of the local community matter in heritage management. The heritage authorities need to engage more with the community people and educate them on the best practices regarding the sustainable management of World Heritage Sites. Originality/value This paper argues that the management of global heritage sites should not be elitist in orientation and character. It should respect the principle of community participation for inclusive development.

Ecomuseum, community museology, local distinctiveness, Hüsamettindere village, Bogatepe village, Turkey

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Dogan
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Joint Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intangible Heritage ◽  
Local Sustainable Development

Purpose – The concept of sustainable development is now widely accepted as a means of protecting natural resources and cultural heritage. One approach to ensuring sustainability, especially in relation to cultural tourism, is the ecomuseum. Turkey has considerable potential to develop ecomuseological models to encourage local sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of ecomuseums in Turkey by analysing the recent implementation of the concept in Hüsamettindere and Bogatepe villages. Current practices at these two sites are evaluated in comparison with the basic principles of ecomuseum theory. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores local community involvement in two emerging ecomuseums in Turkey based on several years of participant action research by the author; it describes the nature of the two ecomuseums based on that experience. In addition an in-depth survey was carried out between February and April 2013 by Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University when 45 local participants were interviewed for their views on the ecomuseum developments, using the MACDAB method (Borrelli et al., 2008) as a guide. Findings – Even though the two implementations in Turkey have different features deriving from their local dynamics, they have had a similar experience in terms of the development process. Both began with a volunteer movement, the organisation of the local community, the formation of civil initiatives, a joint decision-making processes and the existence of participation and consensus. This process conforms to the basic principles of ecomuseology. The ecomuseums have also raised concerns about the loss of rural heritage and the mechanisms for conserving it within the model of the “living” ecomuseum. The most significant fact to emerge from this initial review of the two ecomuseums is that it is not necessarily their ability to conserve fragments of tangible and intangible heritage that is paramount in Turkey, but their importance in providing employment opportunities in rural areas. Originality/value – Ecomuseum movement is a very important and practical model for sustainable development and tourism. Ecomuseums can also be functional tools for protecting of cultural heritage and developing of local areas. Even though Turkey has got many cultural heritage sources, they are not used productively for local sustainable development. The two implementations will be sample to all natural and cultural heritage areas of Turkey for sustainable development.

Under-tourism regions and destinations: what are their opportunities to succeed?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lienite Litavniece ◽  
Inese Silicka ◽  
Zanete Garanti ◽  
Galina Berjozkina ◽  
Stathis Kolongou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Villages ◽  
Rural Destinations

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the success factors that guide the sustainable development of rural tourism destinations in Cyprus.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this study, two rural villages in the Larnaca and Limassol districts of Cyprus were selected as a sample. Interviews, field visits, interactions with practitioners, the local community and leaders in these villages then followed. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the factors guiding the sustainable development of these villages.FindingsNine success factors were identified: finding the theme and engaging with it, allowing locals to guide the development, training and education, economic benefits, developing new products and services, community involvement, the role of younger people, strong leadership and island-wide efforts to rebrand Cyprus as a destination. These factors seem to be critical to the success of sustainable rural destinations and to rebranding Cyprus as a destination that offers authentic experiences.Originality/valueThe nine success factors identified by studying two villages in Cyprus can guide other rural destinations in finding their path to sustainable development through themes and authentic experiences.

Local community support, attitude and perceived benefits in the UNESCO World Heritage Site

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah ◽  
Mohd Raziff Jamaluddin ◽  
Agus Riyadi
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
World Heritage ◽  
World Heritage Site ◽  
Unesco World Heritage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Site ◽  
Unesco World Heritage Site ◽  
George Town

PurposeThis study aims to explore the support and attitudes of the local community together with the benefits of living in the vicinity of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. George Town is one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA total of 319 respondents residing in the gazetted area of George Town World Heritage Sites were interviewed. The covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) analysis was conducted to test the study’s hypotheses.FindingsThe community's attitudes and personal benefits were identified to strongly influence community’s support towards the conservation and development of the World Heritage Sites in George Town. While a small number of community members acknowledged the significant opportunities through tourism, majority of them expected economic and non-economic benefits from the development of World Heritage Sites.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study are expected to contribute to the ongoing debate on the perceived effects, benefits and future support of the World Heritage Sites from the local community's perspectives.Social implicationsUnderstanding the behaviour of the local community to create successful tourism planning, especially in delicate heritage destinations.Originality/valueThis study enriches the scarce empirical research study on community’s behaviour living in the vicinity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) region.

Adaptation of “participatory method” in design “for/with/by” the poor community in Tam Thanh, Quang Nam, Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-282
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Hanh Nguyen ◽  
Hung Thanh Dang
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Project ◽  
Community Projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show the adaptation of participatory concept: “from passive to active community” which is the key point to achieve successes of the case study project – a cultural village in Tam Thanh, Tam Ky, Quang Nam, Vietnam. Its achievements result from the employment of three principal steps including identifying core issues in the community, creating changes in human perceptions and living conditions, and demanding operation and maintenance of the community further. The project can seem to be an outstanding showcase for the applicability and possibility of other community projects around Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the previous community projects developed in Vietnam. However, they are less effective for the community in long-term due to ignoring/underestimating the role of local people. The case study is an impoverished residential neighbourhood in Tam Thanh, Quang Nam. The authors along with the colleagues observed and conducted the workshops on site to understand the problems, values and expectations of people and the land. The paper likes as a summary for achievements and lessons extracted from that field study. The comparison to the previous projects shows the efficiency of participatory design with the active involvement of the local community. Findings The practical experiences to find successes for the community projects in Vietnam: collaboration of experts, architects, volunteers and local people; classification of roles for groups of participants; the involvement of the local government. engagement of a collaborative relationship with the community under the patience, comprehension and sympathy of all members of the community; and role of the architects involving the projects should be supported for people’s participation to come up with the idea instead of proposing strict ideas. Practical implications The appropriate approaches on the right subjects and right time are the key of successes and sufficiency for the community projects, particularly to the impoverished neighbourhoods or places with sensitive issues. The Tam Thanh village is a typical example and its experiences can be disseminated for the other projects. It indicates the active and respectful involvement of like-minded people (experts, volunteers, sponsors, managers and in particular local people) is very important to achieve the final expected destination in the purpose for/by/with the community. Social implications The huge effect of community projects is directly on the local people. The approaching and understanding them is challenging. An achievable community project is that the real needs of the people are provided; they are aware of their roles and benefits; and finally, the values are retained and developed sustainably in long term. The community projects are characterised by the participation of many people in many different stages: analysis, design and implementation. Therefore, for the experts, volunteers and managers, they learn to listen to the voice of the local people and to avoid the forced thoughts and underestimation of local people’s involvement. Originality/value The value of the study is that the nature of participatory design method is shown through activities and results of the community project in Tam Thanh. The delivery from theoretical features to practical works is not easy and needs observation and understanding of local culture and life. Depending on each specific location, the application of this design theory is flexible and adaptive. An idea for every project is initiation; however, the participation of local people is key to the project’s achievement.

Tourism sustainability: economic benefits and strategies for preservation and conservation of heritage sitesin Southeast Asia

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kar Yee Chong ◽  
Ann Selvaranee Balasingam
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Heritage Tourism ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Employment Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Multiplier Effects

PurposeThis paper aims to provide empirical insights about the economic benefits as well as the useful strategies to preserve and conserve heritage sites in Southeast Asia. The benefits of heritage tourism include high tourist arrivals and receipts, the multiplier effects within the industry and creation of employment opportunities for the local community.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used systematic literature review of secondary data to discover the benefits and strategies for preserving and conserving heritage sites. The data were obtained from peer-review journals, documentary analysis, industrial report, working paper and books.FindingsThis paper provides empirical insights about the economic benefits as well as the useful strategies to preserve and conserve heritage sites in Southeast Asia. The benefits of heritage tourism include high tourist arrivals and receipts, the multiplier effects within the industry and creation of employment opportunities for the local community. The strategies proposed include stakeholder collaboration and involvement, stakeholder empowerment and the adaptive reuse approach.Practical implicationsThis research is useful for sites’ managers as local stakeholders are highly motivated in participating in the decision-making process on the future development of heritage sites. Involving and empowering stakeholders in heritage management programs increase the stakeholders’ values and willingness to participate in heritage preservation program. In addition, the implementation of adaptive reuse approach enables the conservation of heritage originality and values.Originality/valueThis paper has discovered three benefits and three strategies toward positive heritage management. Stakeholders’ involvement and collaboration is the easiest way to promote heritage management programs and empower stakeholders. Finally, adaptive reuse program is the hardest approach, but the most beneficial approach in maintaining the value and rejuvenating the heritage sites.

Local community involvement in Malaysian early childhood care and education centers

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-157
Author(s):  
Bahbibi Rahmatullah ◽  
Sopia Md Yassin ◽  
Jamilah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Childhood Care ◽  
Childhood Care ◽  
National Quality

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the role and the involvement of local community within the context of Malaysian early childhood centers (nursery and kindergarten).Design/methodology/approachThe research used a mixed method with a questionnaire survey in the first phase and qualitative interviews in the second phase. Quantitative data were obtained from a survey completed by 3,519 staffs from nursery and kindergarten all over Malaysia. Qualitative data were collected from individual and focus group semistructured interviews conducted with 140 participants of the Malaysian public and private internal and external stakeholders ranging from the relevant personnel of the early childhood care and education (ECCE) centers (administrators, teachers and practitioners), academic experts, regulatory agencies and parents.FindingsSurvey results indicate that the parents and community involvement with ECCE centers from the perspective of the management and practitioners is in the medium category. A total of three overarching themes were identified from the interviews, namely expertise collaboration, resource sharing and operation monitoring. There exists diversity in terms of community engagement and cooperation with ECCE centers.Practical implicationsThe findings are expected to provide valuable guidelines to ECCE centers' management and leadership in the aspect of community involvement where it could help to enhance their efforts of providing quality learning experiences for young children attending their centers.Originality/valueThis study is part of a larger longitudinal and mixed methods project examining the quality practices in setting the standards in the Malaysian National Quality ECCE framework. These findings contribute to the understanding of community involvement with ECCE centers in the Malaysian context.

scholarly journals Companies Participation in Developing Sustainability in Local Communities: a Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (53) ◽  
pp. 166-182
Author(s):  
Luciane Silva Franco ◽  
Simone Soares ◽  
Sérgio Luis Dias Doliveira ◽  
Edicreia Andrade dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Business Community ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in recent years has received significant interest from several researchers who have revealed the results of CSR disclosure in relation to organizational performance around the world. The purpose of our study was to assess the engagement of organizations and the impact on the development sustainability in local community. However, we performed a systematic review applying the Methodi Ordinatio, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, which resulted in the complete analysis of 28 articles. Among the results obtained, the importance of the relationship between organization and stakeholders, especially community involvement, is emphasized. Evaluation using the stakeholder approach will not only create a holistic assessment of the process, but will also help promote a sense of ownership of the community engagement program. We conclude that business-community engagement brings benefits to both parties and contributes to community development. Keywords: stakeholders, sustainability, community, engagement.

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