Local Experts' Role in Polycentric Governance of Heritage Sites: the Case of Religious Sites in Toruń

Abstract

The number of Sites on World Heritage List increases every year. To effectively attend to the needs of the public where these are concerned, relevant decision-making processes are coming to include an increasing number of experts. Against that background, our work as detailed in this research paper has sought to examine the level of engagement of experts at local level in the decision-making processes specific to protecting sites of a religious profile within cities enjoying World Cultural Heritage status. Specifically, it is the governance and decision-making system that is explored, with the focus being on the concept of polycentric governance. The research interest as detailed above has been crystallised in a specific case study relating to the Polish city of Toruń, which was granted World Heritage status in 1997, thanks inter alia to the historical significance it held as a Medieval religious centre. The empirical research here is based on semi-structured interviews with experts, participant observation, and qualitative text analysis, utilising relevant documentation of the two most significant projects linked to the World Heritage Site in Toruń. Analysis of those two projects leaves it evident that, despite possession of valuable knowledge and experience of the local context, local experts make contributions that are often characterised by de facto limitation when it comes to decision-making processes relating to religious sites. However, this seems to be an issue being addressed thanks to recent changes in funding requirements that introduce public consultation. Overall, the recognition and influence of local experts within the local community are seen to have played a significant role in legitimising decisions, particularly where these deviate from the ones formulated by other decision-making centres in the field of World Heritage.