The concept of heritage, often limited to material elements, is expanding to include landscapes, traditions, memory, and ways of life that a community recognizes as part of its identity. This vision, which understands heritage not only as an inheritance from the past but as a constantly redefined construct, was the starting point of the meeting.
The workshop, held in Ribes de Freser, is part of the European RESPIRA project, an initiative that promotes applied research in the territory. This project seeks to link local reality with global challenges, allowing for the study of specific environmental needs and the incorporation of successful experiences and methodologies from other regions. The session brought together professionals, technicians, and agents from the heritage, tourism, and local development sectors to reflect on the future of the Vall de Ribes.
“"The preservation of heritage requires, above all, meanings about what we consider valuable as a community. Only if citizens, entities, and institutions embrace this legacy can its conservation be guaranteed and responsible management promoted, generating social, cultural, and economic returns for the territory."
During the meeting, the importance of giving meaning to heritage for the community was emphasized, as well as the need to update heritage narratives to make them more attractive and accessible to current audiences. The importance of creating stable coordination spaces among the various territorial actors was also highlighted, as cooperation between administrations, businesses, cultural entities, and residents is fundamental for an integrated territorial model.
Finally, it was concluded that heritage should be seen as an opportunity for the future. With knowledge and strategic vision, it can become a powerful tool for social cohesion and revitalization for the Vall de Ribes.
