Achieving Dialogue through Transnational World Heritage Nomination: The Case of the Silk Roads

Serial transnational World Heritage nominations are an innovative approach to recognizing a number of cultural heritage sites located in different countries under the umbrella of one property containing Outstanding Universal Value. This approach can widely enhance international collaboration in the cultural sector. However, compared to single-site nominations, serial transnational nominations are faced with three common challenges: data handling is more complex; policies and heritage management might differ; and more stakeholders are involved. All these aspects provide a potential breeding ground for conflict when it comes to the management procedures employed by the parties involved. Several ways exist to overcome these challenges, one of which is the application of technology-based tools such as geographic information systems. In this chapter, the case of the Central Asian Silk Roads is used to discuss challenges facing serial transnational World Heritage nominations.status: publishe