VIRTUAL Barcelona

Abstract

In Swedish urban planning, it has recently become standard practice to evaluate both ecosystem services and the historic built environment prior to decision-making, depending on the specific place characteristics. Whether the focus is on conserving biodiversity or human-made structures, heritage values assume a significant role. They contribute to shaping cultural identity, enhancing the attractiveness of an area, and improving people’s well-being. Additionally, by fostering a sense of continuity and belonging, heritage can assist communities in dealing with the challenges posed by climate change. Nevertheless, administrative and disciplinary borders have impeded interactions between experts in these fields of practice, potentially limiting the utilization of heritage as a unifying outset. Recognizing the need for more integrated and interdisciplinary approaches, this study aims to identify boundaries, but also common ground between professionals working with ecosystem-based planning and heritage conservation, respectively. Framed by boundary object theory, the qualitative research design includes content analysis of national and regional policies, practitioner interviews, and a practitioner workshop, with a focus on south Sweden. The results show that boundary objects like the GIS tool and the concept of green infrastructure play a crucial role as shared platforms that facilitate collaboration between the two fields. Additionally, the results indicate that professionals from both fields face challenges related to the epistemic (pertaining to knowledge and understanding) and methodological (concerning methods and approaches) aspects of heritage values. Based on these findings, we suggest several strategies to promote a more collaborative approach, which includes broader public participation.