IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

This study evaluates whether Taiwan’s heritage sites, previously recognized with the National Cultural Heritage Preservation Award by the Ministry of Culture, have continued to uphold the conservation standards that earned them recognition. Through in-depth interviews with 24 site managers, as well as site visits and document analysis, this research assesses the long-term conservation practices implemented at these award-winning sites. The findings indicate that while some sites have successfully maintained high conservation standards through proactive maintenance, community involvement, and innovative management strategies, others have faced challenges such as financial constraints, shifting policies, and administrative changes that hinder sustained preservation efforts. Sites that demonstrated continued excellence often adopted adaptive conservation techniques, public-private collaborations, and strategic funding approaches. Conversely, those struggling to sustain their conservation quality exhibited signs of deferred maintenance, resource shortages, and shifting priorities away from heritage preservation. By identifying key factors that contribute to or hinder long-term conservation success, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, heritage professionals, and cultural site managers seeking to develop more sustainable conservation frameworks. A qualitative approach was employed, using in-depth interviews with 24 site managers, along with site visits and document analysis. The interviews explored conservation strategies, funding sources, and policy adaptations. This research provides empirical insights into the sustainability of conservation efforts post-award recognition. It highlights effective long-term strategies such as proactive maintenance, community engagement, and adaptive reuse. It also identifies challenges like financial constraints and shifting policies.