Culture As The Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development: Olga Helen Astara
Culture As The Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development: Olga Helen Astara
Culture As The Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development: Olga Helen Astara
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the important role of culture in achieving
sustainable development. The connection of culture with the three pillars of sustainable
development is nowadays evident through scientific articles, recorded policies and objectives.
Specifically: a) CO2 emissions are limited and climate change is dealt with cultural heritage
management; b) investments are attracted and environmental management is ensured. This leads
to stable and decent jobs related to activities such as preservation, construction, food production,
traditional therapy and pharmacy, all kinds of crafts and arts in general and above all tourism. c)
The acknowledgement and preservation of the diversity of cultural heritage, combined with fair
access to it and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use, enhances the sense of place and
of belonging and respect for the others. It also strengthens the sense of purpose and collective
capacity for maintaining the common welfare. All of the above demonstrate the role of culture as
the fourth pillar of sustainable development.
1. Introduction
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of cultural heritage, combined with fair access to it and equitable sharing of benefits arising from
its use, enhances the sense of place and of belonging and respect for the others.
All the above are supported and incorporated to the policies of the European Parliament in
2004 with specific positions. Specifically, the European Parliament considers that cultural heritage
plays a very important role in achieving the objectives of the 2020 Strategy for a "smart,
sustainable and inclusive growth. "Proof of this is the connection of culture and public policies
with regional development, social cohesion, agriculture, shipping, the environment, tourism,
education, digital agenda, research and innovation. Such policies have direct or indirect impacts on
cultural heritage, while cultural heritage offers great opportunities to achieve their goals. It is clear
that the interaction between the pillars of economy, society and environment culture can lead to a
new form of regenerated sustainable development that supports the cohesion of society, economic
development and environmental protection to an even greater extent. In short, these data support
the role of culture as the fourth pillar of sustainable development.
At an international and European level there have been several attempts made on several
occasions with questionable results and agreements aiming at Sustainable Development. Most of
the results were related to definitive and binding rules to protect the environment, and promote
economic and social content.
By the definition of sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs", the
Norwegian prime minister Gro Harlem Brundland in her report (1987) gives the concept a broad
political content. This definition is the common base until nowadays for all researchers-scientists
dealing with the meaning and dimensions of Sustainable Development (Mitoula, et al., 2008).
In particular, the procedure for defining the concept of Sustainable Development has
contributed to the enrichment and expansion of the term “development”. Risking
oversimplification, it could be argued that the debate on Sustainable Development explores the
concept of development in two directions:
1. The development must be viewed in the broadest possible manner including, among other
things, social and environmental, and not only economical issues; and
2. The development is to be achieved in a manner that does not reduce the ability of future
generations, while at the same time ensuring generational equity. (Mitoula, et al., 2008)
It is evident that the expansion towards the first direction requires changes in the perception
of the economy as a circular flow system. This is because while the economic concept of circular
flow assumes a closed thermodynamic system, a comprehensive understanding of the ecological
and socio-economic system refers clearly to an open economic system for and by the environment.
Enlargement to the second direction, requires the integration of the evaluation of intra- and
intergenerational equity, i.e. the assessment of purely moral values. The eradication of poverty in
developing countries, and the reduction of income inequality in developed countries are imposed
not only on the basis of moral values, but also because of the significant negative impacts they
have on the natural environment. According to the second aspect, the generational equity rises as a
condition for intergenerational equity. (Sartzetakis, Papandreou, 2002)
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Consequently, it is a development1 which in contrast with the average growth2 term includes
the concept of three thematic pillars. Moreover, according to the updated analysis of international
organizations and scholars it includes four pillars:
Economy,
Society,
Environment and,
Culture
In particular, Luke (2013) believes that the widespread acceptance of sustainable
development of companies indicates that this illusory quality serves quite contradictory ideological
purposes, cultural needs, economic agendas or social objectives, as it builds a weak consensus.
However, this is a special and different time. Steady and strong consensus must be achieved for
environmental protection, so that the obvious, and currently apparent, deteriorating environmental
conditions on Earth could be controlled, and possibly reversed, and not just go through even
greater degradation. (Luke 2013)
Sneddon and Howarth (2005) argue that the radical criticism of modern man- environment
relationship that coexists within the concepts of sustainability (visible if anyone cares to see it)
needs to be renewed and preserved by those advocates of SD that use it to promote growth
agendas that are clearly unsustainable. Also, it needs to be rescued from the most extreme critics
who have left only "ashes" in the process of the concept’s deconstruction. This way, the concept
will recover the ideals of sustainable development:
1. Equity through and between generations, places and social groups;
2. Ecological dignity; and
3. Human welfare and quality of life
A revived concept of sustainability built around the pluralist concept of sustainability, taking
into account the political, cultural, technological, ecological and economic content of the spectrum
of local and global human communities and even recognizing the most abstract and universal
concepts of justice and equality. This will resolve false dichotomies, such as those manufactured
between first and third countries. (Sneddon and Howarth, 2005)
However, the above relationship between man and the environment usually comes from a
conventional view of sustainability that applies only to the natural "environment", creating a gap in
the existing literature. This perception of SD excludes interaction stories between man and the
environment created by the history of a place, its monuments and archaeological sites, as well as
broader cultural landscapes. Although sustainable development (WCED, 1987) is a concept based
on several principles, some of which are more useful in the management of cultural resources, for
example, the 27 principles of the Rio Declaration (United Conference of the United Nations
Environment and Development, 1992 / Conf. 151/26 Volume I [Robinson, 1993]). These
principles relate to community involvement and are more applicable to the management of cultural
resources, since communities are carriers, custodians and direct users of cultural heritage
resources. (Keitumetse, 2011)
Furthermore, Tweet and Sutherland (2007) provide a framework under which culture, a part
of which is the architectural heritage, is connected with the three pillars of sustainable
development: environment, economy and society. In particular, the environmental dimension is the
1
Defined as an increase - in one year – of the economic prosperity enjoyed by the people of a country. The most
important indicator of development is the long-term growth rate of per capita GDP, while the use of other indicators,
such as indicators are related to the level of health, education and longevity.
2
Long-term growth is GDP growth rate.
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But how specifically and in more detail can cultural heritage contribute to sustainable
development? How can the relationship between cultural heritage and different dimensions-pillars
of sustainable development be articulated?
The safeguarding of cherished cultural heritage sites and of the ensemble of intangible
cultural expressions, knowledge and skills that collectively define a community can be considered
in itself as a contribution to human well-being. Without the cultural heritage - the famous sights of
our cities and landscapes, traditions and unique lifestyle inherited from our ancestors - our very
existence as individuals would be hard to imagine.
This view, as obvious it may be, was still not enough to ensure for heritage and culture in
general, a place within the international framework of sustainable development and the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Therefore, apart from its intrinsic value for present and
future generations, it is important to explore how one's cultural heritage can make a critical and
decisive contribution to sustainable development in all its core dimensions, as defined, for
example, in the United Nations report ‘Realizing the Future We Want for All’3 - in other words,
the sustainability of the environment, including the pillars of social and economic development,
peace and security.
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traditional constructions, all play an important role in this collective effort. The transmission and
practice of the intangible cultural heritage of these communities carries a wealth of knowledge and
skills to the younger generations, including basic concepts of science and technology, participatory
forms of governance and socio-economic activities. For this reason, the ability to access, enjoy and
care for cultural heritage is a basic cultural right and primary component of what the economist
Amartya Sen has called the "ability of people to live and be what you choose”, which is an
essential part of the definition of human development.
The fundamental roles of cultural heritage are now threatened by a number of factors,
including massive urbanization that is now underway in many parts of the world, which lead to the
destruction of structured cultural heritage and new challenges for the intangible cultural heritage.
These new expanding cities accommodate a growing number of immigrants and heterogeneous
communities, and are stigmatized by a growing number of conflicts and political tensions.
In such times of crisis, access and care for cultural heritage can help vulnerable people to
regain a sense of continuity, dignity and empowerment. In post-conflict situations, in particular,
the acknowledgement and protection of cultural heritage, when based on common values and
interests, can help to promote mutual recognition and understanding, tolerance and respect among
different communities, which are prerequisites for society’s peaceful development.
Sometimes, and possibly for these reasons, cultural heritage is deliberately destroyed, with
the intention to erase the identity of individuals and groups, cutting ties with the land and the
bonds that keep them together as a community. This happened in 2001 in Afghanistan, when the
giant statues of Buddha in Bamiyan, were destroyed and similar disaster is being witnessed today
in northern Mali.
Apart from the loss of the benefits associated with the enjoyment and management of
cultural heritage, such intentional acts of destruction or persecution make reconciliation between
the warring parties much more difficult in the future, and prevent the communities from turning
the page towards peace. The protection of cultural heritage from the risks associated with conflict
situations, even when lives are in danger and humanitarian concerns are a priority, is therefore not
a luxury but a basic safety issue. In contrast, in the post-conflict phase, the reinstatement of
cultural heritage can help to heal the wounds of war. (UNESCO 2013)
The Council meeting in Brussels on May, 20, 2014 reached some important conclusions
concerning cultural heritage and its treatment/consideration as a strategic resource to achieve a
sustainable Europe.
The Treaty stipulates that the EU shall ensure that cultural heritage is safeguarded and
enhanced. This will be achieved through the sustainable management of all resources that
constitute the cultural heritage. Those inherited from the past in all its forms and aspects -
intangible and digital (both-digital and digitized), including monuments, landmarks, landscapes,
skills, practices, knowledge and expressions of human creativity, as well as collections conserved
and managed by public and private institutions, such as museums, libraries and archives. These
resources are of great value to society in cultural, environmental, social and economic terms
because they come from the interaction between people and places through time and it is
constantly evolving.
Cultural heritage is an important asset for Europe. Its value is obvious and self-evident. It is
a non-renewable resource, a unique one, than can not be replaced. Cultural heritage is currently
confronted with important challenges related to cultural, environmental, social, economic and
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technological transformations that affect all aspects of contemporary life. Thus, its safeguarding
becomes vitally important.
Cultural heritage plays an important role in creating and enhancing social capital because it
has the ability to:
a) Inspire and promote citizens participation in public life.
b) Improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals and communities.
c) Promote diversity and intercultural dialogue by contributing to a stronger sense of "belonging"
to a wider community and a better understanding and respect among peoples.
d) Contribute to the reduction of social inequalities; facilitate social inclusion, cultural and social
participation and promote intergenerational dialogue and social cohesion.
e) Provide opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, creativity and innovation.
f) Be an effective training tool for the formal, non-formal and informal education, lifelong learning
and training.
Cultural heritage has a significant effect on the economic pillar, because it contributes, as
an integral part of the cultural and creative sectors, to participatory local and regional development
and creates significant externalities, in particular through the enhancement of sustainable cultural
tourism. Additionally, it supports sustainable development and regeneration of the countryside and
the cities as illustrated by initiatives implemented by many European regions and cities.
Consequently, it generates diverse types of employment.
The Cultural heritage plays a specific role in achieving the objectives of the 2020 Strategy
for a "smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", because it has social and economic impacts and
contributes to environmental sustainability. This is demonstrated by the fact that the field of
cultural heritage goes beyond the cultural unity and is related to public policies towards regional
development, social cohesion, and agriculture, while it is closely linked to policies on shipping,
environment, tourism, education, digital agenda, research and innovation. These policies have a
direct or indirect impact on cultural heritage and at the same time cultural heritage offers a strong
potential for the achievement of their objectives. Therefore, this potential should be fully
recognised and developed.
According to the above, the European Parliament called on the Member States and the
Commission within their respective areas of responsibility, and taking into account the principle of
subsidiary to take the following actions:
1. To recognize the intrinsic value of cultural heritage and develop the potential of culture and
cultural heritage as a common strategic resource for the development of a society based on
democratic, ethical, aesthetic and ecological values, particularly at a time of intense economic and
social value crisis.
2. To reinforce the dialogue with the cultural heritage stakeholders to identify and implement
coordinated policies and measures for sustainable management and development of cultural issues,
cultural heritage and the promotion of cooperation with international and intergovernmental
organizations, particularly with the Council of Europe.
3. To mobilize available resources to support, enhance and promote cultural heritage through an
integrated, holistic approach, taking into account the cultural, economic, social, environmental and
scientific components.
4. To contribute to the integration of cultural heritage in national and European policies.
5. To identify and exploit synergies created between the EU and national public policies beyond
cultural policy, such as regional development, cohesion, agriculture, maritime, environment,
energy and climate change, tourism, education, research and innovation to create added value.
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6. Where possible, to improve access to funds, in order to make full use of the available programs
for the public and private sector, to encourage investment in cultural heritage as part of an
integrated strategy for sustainable local and regional development in the context of available
national and Community programs and the Structural Funds of the EU.
7. To continue to support EU action on European Cultural Identity (European Heritage Label).
8. To continue to promote education for cultural heritage, public awareness on the potential of
cultural heritage for sustainable development and to encourage the participation of the public,
particularly children and young people, in collaboration with civil society.
9. To improve the collection and analysis of qualitative evidence and quantitative data, including
statistical data, on cultural heritage.
10. To encourage the funding, development and dissemination of digital cultural content and
innovative services available to the heritage associated with the cultural and educational value for
their citizens, and to promote public access to these resources and the digital cultural heritage,
including the means of Europeana (Europeana Foundation and its network are creating new ways
for people to deal with cultural history, whether it be for work, learning and leisure. According to
Europeana cultural heritage should be freely accessible in a digital way, to promote the exchange
of ideas and information. This helps to understand better cultural diversity and contributes to a
thriving knowledge-based economy). (Council of the European Union, 2014)
5. Conclusions
Sustainable Development was the key answer to the emerging environmental problems
caused by the industrialization of the economy. The object of this paper was to approach
controversial and pluralistic concept of sustainable development –in modern times- by
demonstrating the necessity to include the pillar of culture. Its importance was presented at
international and European level.
From the analysis of the above issues it is clear that Sustainable Development has two
directions:
1. The development must be viewed in the broadest possible manner including, not only
economical but also social and environmental issues; and
2. The development is to be achieved in a manner that does not reduce the ability of future
generations, while at the same time ensuring generational equity.
Therefore, it is about the concept of development in contrast to the concept of average
growth and includes three thematic pillars and according to the latest analysis of international
organizations and scholars for:
Economy,
Society,
Environment, and
Culture
Specifically, analysts like Luke (2013) but also Sneddon and Howarth (2005) argue that a
regenerated pluralistic concept of sustainable development should take into account the political,
cultural, technological, ecological and economic content of the spectrum of local and global human
communities and even recognize the most abstract and universal concepts of justice and equality.
Other scholars, such as Keitumetse 2011, go even further and point out that the human-
environment relationship can not exclude stories of interaction between the two that have been
created by the history of a place, its monuments and archaeological sites, as well as the wider
cultural landscapes.
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Additionally, Tweet and Sutherland (2007) emphasize the contribution of cultural heritage
using the example of architectural heritage to the three pillars of sustainable development: the
environment, economy and society.
Consequently the connection between sustainable development and culture is achieved.
Specifically, we have an even clearer picture of the contribution of culture to sustainable
development through UNESCO and the European Parliament.
The interface of culture with the three pillars of sustainable development is evident because:
a) CO2 emissions are limited and climate change is treated through cultural heritage management,
b) investments are attracted and environmental management is ensured. Stable and decent jobs
related to activities such as preservation, construction, food production, traditional therapy and
pharmacy, all kinds of crafts and arts in general and above all tourism, are brought about. c) The
acknowledgement and preservation of the diversity of cultural heritage, combined with fair access
to this and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use, enhances the sense of place and of
belonging and respect for the others. Also it strengthens the sense of purpose and collective
capacity of maintaining the common good. All these contribute to the cohesion of communities.
Finally, the Council of the EU at the meeting on May 2014 confirms the positions of
UNESCO stated above. E.C. fully endorses the value of cultural heritage as a powerful European
asset, which is obvious and self-evident. It is also a non-renewable resource, a unique one that can
not be replaced. Especially in the modern era, Europe faces major challenges related to cultural
environmental, social, economic and technological changes affecting all aspects of modern life.
Therefore the protection of cultural heritage becomes vital. Additionally, it is emphasized that
cultural heritage plays a specific role in achieving the goals of the 2020 Strategy for a "smart,
sustainable and inclusive growth". This is evident from the fact that the field of cultural heritage is
associated with public policies on regional development, social cohesion, agriculture, closely
linked to policies on shipping, the environment, tourism, education, digital agenda, research and
innovation. Such policies have direct or indirect impacts on cultural heritage while cultural
heritage offers great opportunities to achieve their goals.
It is therefore common ground that sustainable development can be enhanced by
incorporating the pillar of culture in its semantic content, but also in the next stage of sustainable
development policies. The interaction between the pillars of economy, society, culture and
environment, sustainable development can be regenerated and support policies that will enhance
the cohesion of society, economic development and environmental protection in an even greater
degree.
References
Ø Mitoula R., Astara O.H. & Kaldis P., Sustainable Development: Concepts – International and
Europena Dimension, Rοsili ed., Athens, 2008
Ø Papantreou A. & E. Sartzetakis, “Sustainable Development: Economics and International Legal
Framework" Market Without Frontiers, Volume 8 (2), p.p. 103-117, 2002.
Ø Keitumetse. O. S., (2011) “Sustainable Development and Cultural Heritage Management in
Botswana: Towards Sustainable Communities”, [on line], Sustainable Development, Vol. 19,
Issue 1, 49–59 Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sd.419/full
[4/8/2014]
Ø UNESCO, (4/2013), Introducing Cultural Heritage into Sustainable Development Agenda, [on
line], Available from: www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/.../HQ/.../CulturalHeritageFinalENG.pdf
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