Indice e Introducción

Abstract

This book aims to examine in greater detail, but staying within the same line of research, the notion of Territorial Heritage. The purpose is to widen the perspective so as to enrich the subject, both thematically and methodologically, in order to contemplate the different ways in which it is materialised, while also strengthening the relationship between Heritage and Territory. To do so, we start from the principle that, among the factors which have determined and explained the evolution of societies over time, Territorial Heritage occupies a prime position, thus allowing us to evaluate the magnitude, quality and characteristics of the resources, the perspectives of relationships on all levels, and the possibilities for projection and development. This implies the need to take on this question as an intellectual challenge and as a permanent civic commitment, in so far as it appears as a reality open to very intense changes and restructuring processes. These must be approached in accordance with adequate criteria concerning the characteristics of the territory and the need for the preservation and defence of its specific values, which are essentially identified with the available heritage assets. Taking this into consideration leads to the acceptance of the importance of adopting a full and conscious stand concerning the real or potential risks that threaten the heritage elements that every territory has, in order to counter the factors and forces that intervene to disturb the values we are trying to preserve.