Sustainability, management, and conservation of cultural heritage in international cooperation programs: a euro-mediterranean perspective

This paper looks at the effect of international programs that use cultural and natural heritage to boost sustainable development. It is difficult to divide natural and cultural heritage; the two concepts often coincide because of man's action. We consider a wider concept of heritage and the role of cultural capital for sustainable development within international cooperation. We concentrate on a specific area, the Mediterranean, where several international projects focusing on cultural heritage as an instrument to stimulate economic and social development, as well as dialogue and pace, have been developed, especially following the Barcelona declaration. This work analyses the reasons behind these projects, evaluates the strategies used, and draws some suggestions to increase the efficacy of future policies using cultural heritage to enhance the development of the Mediterranean area.