The Cultural Heritage Economy in Palestine and Sustainable Development

Since its establishment, the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) began studying the Palestinian economic sectors to make policies that enhance and develop the various aspects of the Palestinian local economy. Cultural/historical heritage, natural/wildlife, and cultural/innovative industries constitute key resources for sustainable development in Palestine. Each of these resources plays a substantial role in the consolidation of the tourism sector. Together, they provide authentic ingredients for a broader concept of the tourism sector that transcends the traditional definition, which makes their mutual activities and connections driving the Palestinian "cultural heritage economy". 

Therefore, this study addresses such an economy of cultural heritage, based on its deep roots in the Palestinian history and cultural, religious, and natural heritage. It also falls within the Institute’s interest in serving decision-makers to organize and harness cultural and natural heritage resources and creative cultural industries in support of the sustainable development process. This study deals with the reality of the cultural and natural heritage and innovative cultural industries and their role in creating a new engine for the tourism sector, as well as ways to enable the cultural and natural heritage to play a major role in the process of economic development in Palestine. 

The study concludes with a set of significant results. In terms of cultural heritage, Palestine enjoys the richness and diversity of its archaeological, historical, and religious heritage represented by thousands of archaeological sites, historical buildings and  religious places. As for the natural heritage, it has great potential for sustainable development and creation of job opportunities. However, it is still a resource that is not fully recognized and is not integrated into the tourism or economic vision. The cultural and natural heritage faces serious challenges by the Israeli occupation authorities in terms of the widespread violations against cultural and natural heritage sites in an attempt to manipulate and control them, in addition to their encroaches on archaeological sites and historical buildings.