Global Frameworks, Local Realities: Rethinking International Heritage Frameworks.

Overview and Aim of the Volume:
This forthcoming volume in the Heritage Studies series critically examines how global heritage governance frameworks, such as the World Heritage Convention (WHC) and its Operational Guidelines (OG), intersect with the diverse realities of local contexts and practices. Rooted in European traditions that historically emphasized material aspects of heritage, these frameworks have evolved to reflect global contributions and diverse perspectives, such as those outlined in the Nara Document on Authenticity.

Despite this evolution, significant challenges persist in aligning international frameworks with the lived realities of local communities, cultural practices, and heritage sites. These challenges include systemic biases, power imbalances, and tensions arising from the interplay of global governance mechanisms and local realities. The volume seeks to address these issues by exploring how global heritage frameworks can become more inclusive and equitable while embracing the complexity and diversity of heritage.

In addition to critique, this volume invites contributors to propose innovative, practical recommendations for reform. Drawing on diverse local and national contexts, authors are encouraged to explore opportunities for improving representation, governance, and management within international heritage frameworks. The ultimate goal is to offer a forward-looking roadmap for reshaping heritage policy and practice to ensure a more inclusive future.

Target Themes
We welcome both theoretical perspectives and case studies that illuminate the interplay of global governance and local realities in heritage conservation. Contributions should align with the volume's focus on inclusivity, diversity, and evolving definitions of heritage. Key themes include but are not limited to:

- The Evolution of the WHC and OG
- Historical analysis of the WHC's origins and its progress toward inclusivity.
- Reviews and comparative analyses of regional/national heritage conventions and their integration into international frameworks.
- Diversity in Heritage Definitions and Governance
- Case studies on local heritage practices, especially those rooted in indigenous, intangible, or hybrid traditions.
- Proposals for under-represented heritage sites and practices within global frameworks.
- Barriers to Inclusivity in Global Heritage Frameworks
- Examination of systemic biases, such as Eurocentrism, geopolitical inequities, and structural challenges.
- Exploration of decolonial perspectives and challenges.
- Decolonizing Heritage Management Systems
- Application of postcolonial and decolonial theories to reform global frameworks like the WHC.
- Success stories of decolonized policies that can inform international reform.
- Tensions Between Global and Local Heritage Practices
- Analysis of how global frameworks are adapted, contested, or resisted in specific local contexts.
- Innovative Pathways for Reform
- Case studies of community-led approaches and integration of alternative knowledge systems.
- Proposals for redefining international guidelines and practices to enhance inclusivity and equity.
- Exploration of technological tools to improve access and equity in heritage management.

Potential Topics for Exploration
Submissions may focus on, but are not limited to:
- Sacred and Indigenous Heritage Sites: Challenges faced by indigenous communities in seeking recognition.
- Environmental and Cultural Landscapes: Integrating spiritual and ecological values into governance frameworks.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage: Safeguarding intangible practices while addressing tensions in institutional contexts.
- Museums and Decolonizing Heritage: Reshaping narratives and advancing sustainability through community engagement.
- Alternative frameworks that integrate tangible and intangible heritage in interconnected ways.

Submission Guidelines
Abstracts of 500 words are due by 30.01.2025, outlining the research aim, methodology, and anticipated contribution to the volume. Full papers (approx. 4,000–6,000 words) will be due by first week of May of 2025. Submissions should be emailed to globalframeworkslocalrealitiesgmail.com with the subject line: “Global Frameworks, Local Realities: Rethinking International Heritage Frameworks Submission.”

This volume will be published by Springer Nature. For inquiries or further details, please contact globalframeworkslocalrealitiesgmail.com.