Summary
The Centre for Global Heritage and Development (CGHD) aims to promote a developmental perspective on heritage and to demonstrate how heritage can contribute to a safe, just, and future-proof world, using the different societal agenda’s based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Horizon Europe and NWA as guidelines. To fulfil its goal, the Centre will tap into its vast network of talented scholars available at Erasmus University Rotterdam, TU Delft and Leiden University.
In the period 2019-2024, CGHD wants to build on its success by attracting new expertise, raising the number of scientific applications, developing more educational incentives- including professional training-, getting more involved with local and regional development agendas and exploring alternative funding sources, such as consultancy and applied research.
The research will mostly focus on four themes: Heritage under Threat will look at the role of international law in dealing with cultural objects (illicit trade, claims and returns) and the protection of cultural sites; Heritage & Environment to look at the heritage aspects of (re)development of (port) cities, and lessons learned from ancient water management for current and future issues; and Heritage& Identity to understand the role of heritage in identity politics and governance and document effects of the consumption of heritage through tourism. Heritage, Art & Sciences will focus on the development of new technologies to detect, analyze, interpret, safeguard and 'recreate' heritage.
Inspired by John Goddard’s work, the Centre seeks to “break down the university walls and educate citizens in general“ to contribute to societal needs. It wants to focus on research by engaging and actively listening to local communities' needs and concerns.