Recently, Professor Walter Rossa from the University of Coimbra delivered an academic lecture titled “Unlock the full potential of culture from the perspective of the Patrimónios” for faculty and students of the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management.
Professor Walter Rossa provided a detailed introduction to the theoretical positioning and practical outcomes of the project. Since its launch in 2019, the project has established a global collaboration network, including the University of Macau. During the lecture, the professor began with the theoretical foundations of cultural heritage studies and delved into ethical considerations and political positioning within the UNESCO policy framework.
Through a rich presentation of case studies, Professor Walter Rossa illustrated how cultural identity is built upon cultural values, with these collectively recognized values forming the core elements of cultural heritage. He systematically analyzed the complete process of cultural heritage, from inventory compilation and registration for protection to conservation and restoration, and provided an in-depth discussion of key concepts such as authenticity, integrity, and tangible and intangible heritage. Additionally, he emphasized that “development is about fully unleashing a nation’s full potential,” and cultural heritage plays an indispensable role in this process.
During the Q&A session, he shared valuable insights on team building, highlighting that ongoing discussion and consensus-building are key to the success of a research team. This lecture offered new perspectives on understanding the relationship between cultural heritage and social development, sparking lively discussions among the attending faculty and students.
