Abstract

Introduction: In contemporary heritage management, participatory approaches play a crucial role in identifying and safeguarding values for a diverse range of stakeholders. While referring to a wide range of stakeholders in planning historical areas, many world heritage conservation organizations have emphasized the importance of local communities, their traditions, and their way of life. For heritage planning, participation can enable consensus in defining heritage significance and values to promote heritage resources for sustainable conservation and development. Hence, Urban experts have used community-based participatory research for decades, citing benefits such as faster identification of community-relevant research targets, and accelerated transfer of knowledge and findings to the community. Also, researchers from heritage organizations have found that balancing conservation measures with community-based interests will require the participation of people to upgrade their communities to a protected status. On the other hand, the role of GIS technology is pivotal in heritage preservation research, enabling the development of dynamic information management systems and effectively advancing the sustainable conservation and transmission of heritage resources. It can be used to analyze and assess the impacts of natural and anthropogenic threats on heritage, such as geological disasters, Global Change, and urban expansion, to implement appropriate conservation measures.

Purpose: On this basis, this study aims to explore the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in facilitating participatory conservation efforts in heritage areas, Hence, the theoretical foundation of this study will delve into the utilization of GIS in both heritage conservation and public engagement. Subsequently, the article will introduce a theoretical framework that highlights key principles crucial for GIS-based participatory conservation. The following section of the study will focus on evaluating five case studies from Iran, the USA, Finland, Egypt, and Spain based on these fundamental principles. Eventually, the insights gained from the case study evaluations will provide support for the theoretical considerations outlined in the study.

Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative approach, employing logical argumentation to analyze pertinent research content and integrating both qualitative and quantitative data from previous studies. After a thorough examination of the theoretical framework, the paper introduces a conceptual model for a literature review, delineating the fundamental principles that underscore the significance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in participatory conservation efforts. Subsequently, the paper investigates five case studies that have utilized GIS in participatory planning processes, spanning various contexts including developed and developing countries. Specifically, the case studies draw from previous research on Participatory GIS (PPGIS) in Iran, the USA, Finland, Egypt, and Spain offering a comprehensive exploration of the applications and implications of GIS in participatory approaches.

Case studies: The article seeks to explicate the effectiveness and potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in fostering inclusive and participatory approaches to heritage areas. In light of this, the research evaluates five case studies from Iran, The USA, Finland, Egypt, and Spain that have utilized GIS in participatory planning processes. The selection of the five case studies for this research is grounded in the need to evaluate a diverse array of contexts that encompass both developed and developing countries, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of participatory conservation practices. By including various heritage areas—such as urban environments, rural landscapes, industrial landscape, religious complexes, and villages—this study captures the multifaceted nature of heritage conservation across different settings.

Finding: This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of GIS technology and participatory conservation in heritage areas. The findings of this research demonstrate that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential for enhancing participatory conservation efforts in heritage areas by integrating heritage values, facilitating community engagement, guiding effective conservation strategies, and prioritizing conservation and development measures through participatory mapping and spatial data analysis. In addition to that, the insights gained from the theoretical framework, case study evaluations, and key considerations provide a robust foundation for future research and practical applications of GIS in heritage conservation and urban planning. As heritage conservation continues to evolve in the digital age, the role of GIS in facilitating participatory approaches remains paramount for fostering sustainable and inclusive conservation efforts worldwide.