The project, "UNESCO Cluster: Relationship between UNESCO Designations and Socio-Economic Dynamics in European Regions," is dedicated to the memory of Alberto Vanelli, a passionate advocate for cultural heritage and sustainable development, whose legacy continues to inspire efforts in integrating cultural and natural heritage into the socio-economic fabric of communities. Alberto Vanelli, who played a pivotal role in transforming the Reggia di Venaria into a major cultural landmark and contributed significantly to the promotion of theaters and libraries in Piemonte, left a lasting impact on cultural policy. Made possible through the Alberto Vanelli Memorial Scholarship funded by the Fondazione 1563 per l’Arte e la Cultura, the project provides a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the intricate relationship between UNESCO designations and socio-economic dynamics across European regions, focusing on the role of cultural heritage in regional and interregional development.

Overview of the Project

The UNESCO Cluster project is an ongoing research initiative that seeks to uncover the nuanced interactions between UNESCO designations and socio-economic developments in European regions. As the project advances, further data and resources will be released, providing deeper insights into these dynamics. Future updates will encompass more detailed analyses that build upon the initial findings, offering a richer understanding of how cultural heritage sites influence regional economies and societies. These updates will include expanded datasets that cover additional regions and variables, ensuring a more comprehensive picture of the socio-economic impacts of UNESCO designations.

The research begins by utilizing Eurostat and UNESCO data to create a global dataset, geolocating key UNESCO designations, including the World Heritage List, which identifies sites of outstanding cultural or natural significance; the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp), which promote the sustainable use of geological heritage and its connection to local communities; the Creative Cities network, promoting creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development; and the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, aimed at fostering harmony between people and their environments.

Following this geolocation phase, the analysis focuses on NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions, which provide a detailed level of examination for socio-economic data. By conducting geo-spatial and socio-economic analyses using tools such as QGis, the study aims to identify the main dynamics and characteristics associated with these UNESCO designations. The software GeoDa is employed to detect regional clusters at the NUTS 2 level, grouping regions with similar socio-economic characteristics. In statistical and geo-spatial terms, these clusters help identify regions with comparable dynamics, facilitating the comparison of development strategies and policies.

This research not only maps the primary socio-economic impacts of cultural heritage sites and programs but also compares various European regions to highlight the diversity of outcomes influenced by UNESCO designations. The findings offer valuable insights into how cultural heritage supports economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development, ultimately informing policy decisions and strategies for leveraging cultural heritage as a driver for regional socio-economic development. Through this comprehensive analysis, the project aims to deepen the understanding of the multifaceted role that UNESCO designations play in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Europe.

Data Collection and Methodology

The main UNESCO Designations:

• WHL (World Heritage List): Established in 1972 under the World Heritage Convention, it currently includes 1,199 sites. It recognizes sites of outstanding universal value, either culturally or naturally, selected for their historical, artistic, or scientific significance and preserved for future generations.

• MAB (Man and the Biosphere): Created in 1971, it now includes 759 recognized biospheres. The program aims to improve the relationship between people and their environment by combining biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources in terrestrial, marine, and coastal areas.

• Unesco Creative Cities Network: Launched in 2004, it currently comprises 354 cities. The program recognizes cities that place creativity and cultural industries at the core of their economic and social development, fostering best practice exchange and partnerships for sustainable urban growth.

• UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp): Initiated in 2015, it now includes 213 recognized geoparks. This program promotes the conservation of geological heritage and sustainability through geotourism, managing areas with international geological significance for protection, education, and sustainable development.

For the WHL (World Heritage List), data was imported from the open-access dataset available on the UNESCO website. For the Creative Cities, a dataset was manually created with information provided by UNESCO and supplemented with data from Google Maps. The MAB data was compiled using information from UNESCO and web scraping techniques executed in R. Similarly, for the Global Geoparks, the dataset is being developed using a combination of UNESCO data and web scraping in R. Additionally, geographic data from Eurostat on NUTS 2 regions was integrated with Open Street Map representations in QGis to form the base of the geographic analysis.

Additional Resources

Comprehensive reports will be published, synthesizing the data and analyses into accessible formats for policymakers, researchers, and the general public. These reports will highlight key trends, case studies, and policy recommendations, aiming to inform and support efforts in cultural heritage preservation and regional development. Stay tuned for more information and insights as the research continues to develop. By engaging with this project, stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from a growing body of knowledge that underscores the importance of cultural heritage in fostering sustainable socio-economic growth.