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Heritage derives from human intelligent activity and nature. The idea of heritage is closely connected with identity because it is the conditions which we emerge from.
Heritage implies group membership. “Indigenous heritage” or “colonial heritage” contribute to the identities of the particular groups through objects and practices. Songs, designs, language or land may belong to their heritage and the law may protect these things through ownership relationships.
“Settler heritage” may include the buildings, ruins and songs of this group, but it is accompanied by the introduced weeds, land degradation and toxic remains left by them. To claim this heritage as a privilege, those who identify themselves with it need to create a positive image for it. Weed species are replanted, signs are placed next to eroded landscapes calling them heritage sites and heritage tours are organised. This allows those claiming the heritage to maintain control for their own purposes, excluding others.
Combining the concept of heritage with private property threatens its positive character. Even the most destructive activities of the past and their legacy can be represented as heritage to maintain material and social advantages.
A national park recognising colonial heritage compromises its scientific management. “Natural heritage” belongs the the world. The needs of natural heritage conflict with the demands of privatised cultural heritage.
“Cultural heritage” as built environments can contain objects and practices which should either be maintained or discontinued. Criteria need to be defined independently of identification with groups. It is not to preserve the nation, as “national heritage”, or for the privilege of one group only. Historically-significant cultural artefacts including landscapes and buildings, towns and cities, sacred sites and spaces, need to be recognised and respected. Sustainability plays a role. Waste and destruction should be minimised. The mistakes of the past need to be corrected.
The corruption of heritage threatens the effectiveness of this valuable concept in protecting the transmission of social capital from one generation to the next.
