World Heritage Management with Legal Measures in Preserving Cultural World Heritage Sites – Case Study of Phranakhon Sri Ayutthaya and Its Satellite Towns

Abstract

This academic paper aims to introduce important concepts of world heritage protection with Ayutthaya and its satellite towns being the case study. The concept is based on “holistic integration derived from our own research entitled “World Heritage Management with Legal Measures in Preserving Cultural World Heritage Sites – Case Study of Phranakhon Sri Ayutthaya and Its Satellite Towns”. Based on documentary research including related researches, the fundamental concept of successful world heritage protection is called “holistic integration”, which means a complete integration of all agencies involved with the issue. The concept is composed of three principles – management, preservation and protection. Details are as follows: (1) World heritage management is based on both internal and external cooperation among related agencies. The participation is based on multi-discipline, network creation and value sharing. The main objective is to promote integrated cooperation as well as real participation, for example, discussion, counseling, planning, support, operation, evaluation and reasonability sharing, etc. There should be studies, researches, training workshops and evaluation on a regular basis. Some works should be assigned to local agencies. A conservation unit should be established in communities, and its management should be under the supervision of special committee comprising experts, administrative officials, Fine Art Department officials and community representatives. (2) Preservation of world heritage. There are many possible ways to preserve ancient sites and cultural heritage, for example, legal protection, conservation, restoration, training workshops, integration into school curriculum, project or activity organization. All of them should be organized on a consistent basis and promote participation of all parties or agencies involved. The ultimate goal is to promote public awareness and sense of belonging. Experts should be encouraged to get involved with world heritage preservation to ensure that the ancient sites or cultural heritage are in valuable original forms and the environmental conditions are in accordance with the provisions of World Heritage Convention and international charter. (3) World Heritage Protection could be done with strict law enforcement or appropriate application of Ancient Site Act, international charter and conventions, many other related statues. There should be domestic laws to support the world heritage protection such as ICOMOS drafting. Moreover there should be special inspiration measures to ensure preservation in line with environment and dynamic situation under the integration of planning and activities. The inspirational measures can be legal, economic, city planning and social. One possible measure is to identify appropriate compensation for building or land owners who are affected by zoning policy. For example, a village may be declared a handicraft center with handicraft production being a major livelihood of the villagers. Additional attractions in the handicraft village may be a handicraft production demonstration center together with a souvenir shop. In addition to inspirational for parties involved to dedicate for world heritage protection, this kind of project can create pleasant environment in the community as well as general income for community members. In short, the environmental and lifestyle management is exactly in line with the tourism attraction development.