Heritage Sector Overview

• Author: Elaine L. Hughes, Arlene J. Kwasniak, Alastair R. Lucas
• Pages: 313-320

313

CH AP TER 15

HER ITAGE

SECTOR

OVERV IEW

Elaine L Hughes

A. A BOUT HERITAGE RESOURCES

The term “heritage resources” is broadly used to include both env iron-

mentally and social ly signif‌icant natural features or areas, a nd areas

signif‌icant to our cultural heritage. It can include areas of scientif‌ic,

historical, or ecological import ance, including paleontological and ar-

chaeological sites. Protection of heritage resource s is concerned with

conservation of landsc apes and structures that illum inate our past, and

are preserved to create a legacy for the fut ure. Given the profound links

between natural re source management and development and Canadian

culture and identity,1 our heritage resources are a critical t arget for

preservation.

Heritage conservation ta kes place at the internationa l, national,

and provincial levels, and may t ake place either as a government in-

itiative (policies or laws) or via private conservancy initiatives such as

land trusts.

1 Laurel Sefton M acDowell, An Environmental History of Can ada (Vancouver: UBC

Pre ss, 2 012).