Elaboration of participatory management plans
Argument
A participatory planning framework ensures that tourism development is rooted in local knowledge and driven by community involvement, fostering shared responsibility in managing cultural and natural heritage. By actively including residents in decision-making, planning, and the creation of strategic documents, this approach strengthens local ownership and ensures that tourism aligns with the community’s values, needs, and long-term goals. It also enables the integration of traditional practices and expert knowledge, such as those held by local custodians, into formal management plans, enhancing both sustainability and cultural continuity.
Practical applications
The design of the cultural route is developed through participatory processes that actively involves the community in planning and decision-making around tourism strategies. Heritage, particularly agricultural heritage, is approached not only as a cultural asset but also as a means of citizen empowerment, encouraging local participation in the management of shared and often public resources. This process supports the creation of a management plan that outlines future projects, educational initiatives, and potential collaborations between local businesses. Central to this effort is the recognition of the “water masters” (maestros regaores), whose deep-rooted knowledge of irrigation, soil, and plant management will be documented and integrated through participatory planning approaches.
The engagement strategy centers on strengthening the integration of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage narratives into the public presentation of Monte San Giorgio, acknowledging that while local communities are aware of the site's significance, these elements have remained underrepresented. Ethnographic traditions, such as feast day celebrations for Blessed Manfredo Settala and the Processioni Storiche of Mendrisio, illustrate deep-rooted spiritual connections to the landscape. Recognising themselves as custodians of this heritage, residents are increasingly involved in outreach efforts that aim to reinforce identity, deepen cultural awareness, and enhance community participation in heritage interpretation.
Šalek Valley (Slovenia): In the Šalek Valley, sustainable growth is guided by a set of strategic frameworks that align innovation with environmental responsibility. The Digital Development Strategy encourages the adoption of smart technologies and digital solutions in both public services and tourism, while the Crisis Plan for Tourism strengthens the sector’s resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions. Complementing these efforts, the Waste Management Strategy emphasizes environmental sustainability through circular economy principles, reinforcing the region’s long-term commitment to responsible development.
La Ponte-Ecomuséu: community-based heritage management
The La Ponte-Ecomuséu, located in Asturias (Spain), is an ecomuseum and research centre dedicated to historical, archaeological, and ethnographic studies of the biocultural heritage of the Santo Adriano territory. It was created by researchers and local residents and operates as a community-based social and scientific project aimed at mobilizing heritage as a driver for local development. Scientists and Heritage Communities work together to document and interpret cultural landscapes, local traditions, and rural practices, particularly agropastoral practices and their relationships with wildlife, including the Cantabrian brown bear. Research outcomes are disseminated through interpretive tours, cultural routes, workshops, conferences, and educational programs. The ecomuseum’s socio-economic model is based on a non-profit association and territorial social entrepreneurship, combining scientific activities, cultural mediation, and heritage tourism. These activities help finance the project while strengthening local residents’ involvement in the management and transmission of local heritage. Public and European funding also contribute to supporting the initiative.
