Promoting Cultural and natural heritage as key for planning wealthy and healthy territories

Abstract

EU's development strategy integrates Economic, social and territorial cohesion. Besides, European Territorial Agenda and European Green Deal reinforce the need to rethink the territory's use and its resources. Moreover, the EU Urban Agenda argues that culture and heritage are key resources for resilient and sustainable development, including local culture, to enhance self-esteem and wealth. This understanding requires considering these key resources in territorial development strategies. However, the relationship between heritage and sustainable development remains a weak reality. Despite its rich cultural and natural heritage, Portugal's territory is marked by a densely populated coastline and an interior with a marked population loss. However, these neglected territories, can promote high health indicators and play a leading role in improving the quality of life. The Sicó Massif is one of these low-density areas, and despite its proximity to the sea and two district capitals, it cannot keep its inhabitants, much less attract new ones. We intend to analyze cultural and natural heritage's role in promoting territorial cohesion. From this background, we aim to define a new methodology based on endogenous values and resources, including communities, proposing a community-based approach and a co-designed development strategy for Sicó. In this framework, Academy can play a crucial role in reorientating local policies to adopt integrated approaches based on better territory knowledge to improve the quality of life and well-being and become more attractive to new activities and people.