مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للنشر العلمي
عادةً ما يتم الرد في غضون خمس دقائق
The heritagization process involves identifying, protecting, and transmitting tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage to future generations. Beyond preservation, it fosters sustainable local development by promoting tourism, creating economic opportunities, and reinforcing community identity. However, in Lebanon, especially in underserved areas like the Jezzine region in the South, this process remains overlooked due to prolonged political instability, economic collapse, and the effects of war and displacement. This research aims to assess whether Jezzini citizens can be mobilized to participate in heritage-led development and to explore how a bottom-up approach can foster both community engagement and sustainable planning. To do so, we applied a mixed methodology: a regional survey (n=392), 16 interviews with politicians and experts, and 10 participatory focus groups with the residents. Findings reveal that while heritage is often associated with cultural or built elements, community dialogue has expanded this view to include natural heritage. There is strong symbolic attachment to local assets, and nearly 80% of participants expressed willingness or potential willingness to contribute to the heritagization process, particularly in awareness-raising and planning stages. However, financial involvement and property-sharing remain limited, reflecting broader economic hardship. The study concludes that bottom-up heritagization is feasible when participation is inclusive, adapted to local realities, and supported by institutional frameworks. This case offers a replicable model for marginalized regions in Lebanon and beyond, where heritage can serve as a platform for resilience, identity, and development.