Promoting Local Community Integration In World Heritage Site Planning: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Abstract
George Town, Penang, is a Malaysian city that was formed 200 years ago as a result of East-West commerce and cultural exchanges. The city's fabric exhibits migratory influences from Asian, European, and Arabic nations. As a result, a multicultural identity emerged, including both tangible and intangible kinds of cultural heritage. On July 7, 2008, UNESCO designated George Town as a World History Site in honor of the city's rich cultural heritage. (SERI, 2009).
Although the city's UNESCO World Legacy title has been important in repairing and conserving the city's tangible (i.e. architectural) heritage, it has also had unexpected repercussions for George Town inhabitants. This study looks at the economic, social, and architectural challenges that George Town residents have faced since the city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and how the UNESCO designation can help preserve local heritage and improve economic development while also improving livability for residents in the heritage area. It starts by discussing George Town's history and how UNESCO World Heritage Site standards impact livability in the core and buffer zones of the site. The study discovered through surveys that rising rents as a result of growing foreign investment, as well as the expensive expense of materials and labor for architectural restoration, had driven people to flee the heritage region, raising security concerns. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of openness between local administration and residents, as well as a lack of local understanding of George Town's cultural history. Improving public engagement in heritage area planning to better address livability issues, promoting cultural heritage awareness, and creating chances for citizens to influence decision-making in the early phases of planning are among the recommendations. It is also suggested that an administrative committee be formed to coordinate heritage area planning among all parties.
