Citizen science and the construction of territorial and collective identity

Cultural heritage (CH) is also to be understood as a set of symbols that feed contemporary societies. Being in the society’s core, CH is open to changes and the overlap of meanings [1]. CH embedded in an intrinsic relationship between place and citizen, allows the (re)creation of a collective identity. Collaborative approaches, such as citizen science, co-creation and placemaking open new opportunities for CH enhancement, learning and dissemination. These being related to non-formal education, sociocultural values and reflection on the use and appropriation of the territory are able to position the community to act/react in a timely and efficient manner to emerging challenges [2]. These collaborative approaches are increasingly discussed as they may pave the way for positive engagement, innovation and development agenda. By encompassing a set of social, political and economic processes they enable people iteratively to “create and recreate the experienced geographies in which they live” [3].
This contribution brings new experiences to the discussion on the values of processes that set the citizen at the centre of activities, and considers different layers and dimensions of territorial identity, in order to safeguard a public good and the social representation of communities. It intends to debate the capabilities to interpret different content and emotions in valuing a local identity, and for the dissemination and preservation of cultural heritage. The intrinsic relationship between the various means of expression and the local root provides a multidisciplinary approach.