Cultural sustainability is the preservation and passing down of traditions, customs, and cultural identity to future generations. From indigenous practices to historic architecture, every piece of cultural heritage matters in shaping the world around us. It plays a huge role in shaping our identities and communities. It’s what keeps traditions, languages, arts, and heritage from fading into history. Culture is what gives people a sense of identity and belonging, it tells us who we are and where we come from. However, it’s not just about personal connections; culture is a driving force in local economies, fueling heritage tourism and keeping traditional crafts alive. It also cultivates diversity, creating a world where different perspectives are celebrated. Also, let’s not forget creativity, so many artistic industries, from fashion to film, draw endless inspiration from cultural traditions.
Preserving cultural heritage is not easy, it’s constantly at risk due to many reasons. Urbanization and modernization often lead to historic sites being bulldozed to make way for new developments. Globalization, while great for cultural exchange, can sometimes drown out local customs and languages. Climate change is another growing threat, with natural disasters and rising sea levels putting historical landmarks and traditional ways of life in jeopardy. Finally, there’s plain and simple neglect. Many cultural traditions struggle to survive simply because there aren’t enough resources or awareness to keep them alive.
So what can we do to keep cultural traditions alive? A lot, actually. Education and awareness are key. Practices such as teaching cultural history and arts in schools, and sharing stories can help keep traditions alive. Policy and legislation can also play a major role if governments pass laws to protect cultural sites and practices. Though it’s not just up to officials, community involvement can be influential, too. Locals can be at the forefront of preserving their heritage. Sustainable tourism can make a difference as well, ensuring visitors respect and support local cultures rather than exploit them. Finally, technology is pivotal, digital documentation allows us to archive traditions and share them with people around the world.
The Viola da Terra: A Case Study in Cultural Sustainability
One of the best examples of cultural sustainability in action is the Viola da Terra, a unique double-stringed instrument from the Azores. This is what our documentary this semester will be focused on. This instrument, which originated in the 15th century with Portuguese settlers, has played a crucial role in Azorean culture, serving as a symbol of identity and resilience.
The Viola da Terra was once at risk of fading into obscurity due to modernization and emigration. The Azores saw waves of emigration due to economic shifts and natural disasters, most notably the Capelinhos volcanic eruption of 1957. This catastrophe led to the displacement of thousands of Azoreans, many of whom emigrated to the United States through the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958. As people left, traditional crafts and music, including the Viola da Terra, declined. However, through the dedication of artists like Rafael Carvalho, the instrument has experienced a revival. Carvalho and others have worked tirelessly to preserve this musical heritage through performances, instructional books, and digital platforms
The revival of the Viola da Terra demonstrates how cultural sustainability can be achieved through education, innovation, and community involvement. By embracing modern tools like social media and digital archiving whilst maintaining traditional practices, Azoreans have found a way to keep their cultural identity alive in a rapidly changing world.
Cultural sustainability is not only about preserving the past; it’s about making sure these traditions thrive in the future too. We help create a more inclusive and diverse world by valuing and protecting cultural heritage.