Perspectives on the Preservation of Sensitive Heritage

Initial Approaches

Abstract

This work seeks to draw a panorama on the identification and treatment of what has been called, in recent years, “sensitive heritage”, which brings us to traumatic and painful events that violated human rights, which include recurring ethical dissent regarding their preservation. As case study, we shall approach two “sensitive heritage” sites, inscribed by UNESCO in the World Heritage list - tracing a panorama between the Island of Gorée, in Senegal, and the Valongo Wharf, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We intend to evaluate different preservation postures adopted in each case, ranging from the maintenance and consolidation of ruins to partial reconstructions. We will show the need for them to be treated coherently, rescuing a memory of pain and suffering, through solid interpretation policies, which are in line with the current reality and the universality of human rights. Finally, based on the critical synthesis of the different preservation perspectives, we propose a reflection on parameters and minimum ethical responsibility for the conservation of assets with this cognitive nature in places that do not yet demonstrate the sensitivity required in addressing such topics, sensitive to a population and that demand responsible decisions about what to preserve, and how to do it.