Cultural values vs. economic values: a very difficult interaction

The objective of the work is to provide an integrated framework for planning and design of future actions according to both qualitative and quantitative elements, in order to help and support decision-makers and public organizations to manage cultural systems characterized by multiple values. This is an application of multi-attribute value techniques for dealing with cultural heritage characterized simultaneously by natural, cultural, ecological, historical and architectural values. The present contribution has thus an innovative and trans-disciplinary potential; a typology of heritage values would be an effective guide to characterization and would move conservation stakeholders closer to having a common language in which all parties’ values can be expressed and discussed. By use of such a typology – a framework that breaks down significance into constituent kinds of heritage value - the views of experts, citizens, communities, governments, and other stakeholders can be voiced and compared more effectively.