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Heritage Spaces as Catalysts for Community Engagements
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Architecture
Abstract
Heritage spaces play a crucial role in fostering cultural preservation, social cohesion, and community engagement. This study examined the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria as a catalyst for community involvement, focusing on the roles of key stakeholders, visitor motivations, and conservation challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining 384 survey responses with in-depth interviews of key informants, including the Ataoja of Osogbo, Osun priestesses, and heritage site managers. Quantitative findings indicated that 62% of respondents recognized local authorities and cultural custodians as vital to conservation, while 76% acknowledged the festival's economic benefits. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed key themes such as cultural preservation, spiritual significance, and conservation challenges, with informants emphasizing the impact of urbanization and funding shortages. The study recommends increased government involvement, sustainable tourism strategies, digital documentation, and structured community engagement to enhance heritage conservation. These findings contribute to the discourse on heritage spaces as dynamic sites that balance cultural continuity with modern socio-economic demands.
Keywords
Heritage Conservation, Community Engagement, Cultural Preservation, Sustainable Tourism, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1709322,
author = {Adebayo O. E., Alagbe O., Olaoye, G. O., Ibitoye O. A., Jaitto-Johnson O. A.},
title = {Heritage Spaces as Catalysts for Community Engagements},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {1350-1357},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709322.pdf},
abstract = {Heritage spaces play a crucial role in fostering cultural preservation, social cohesion, and community engagement. This study examined the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria as a catalyst for community involvement, focusing on the roles of key stakeholders, visitor motivations, and conservation challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining 384 survey responses with in-depth interviews of key informants, including the Ataoja of Osogbo, Osun priestesses, and heritage site managers. Quantitative findings indicated that 62% of respondents recognized local authorities and cultural custodians as vital to conservation, while 76% acknowledged the festival's economic benefits. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed key themes such as cultural preservation, spiritual significance, and conservation challenges, with informants emphasizing the impact of urbanization and funding shortages. The study recommends increased government involvement, sustainable tourism strategies, digital documentation, and structured community engagement to enhance heritage conservation. These findings contribute to the discourse on heritage spaces as dynamic sites that balance cultural continuity with modern socio-economic demands.},
keywords = {Heritage Conservation, Community Engagement, Cultural Preservation, Sustainable Tourism, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove},
month = {June},
}