A 25-year private sector view on changes in heritage treatment—key drivers, practical on-the-ground changes, and the stubborn sticking points where it can be slow going
Representing the private practitioner perspective, this presentation analyzes the 25-year evolution of cultural heritage standards in lender-financed development, from the 1986 WBG OPN 11.03 to the 2026 ADB Environmental and Social Framework. The discussion draws on a quarter-century of hands-on experience guiding proponents, contractors, and consultants through expanding lending requirements. Industry and societal shifts have advanced heritage protection. There is growing respect for its diverse values (scientific, historic, cultural, artistic, religious) and its role in socioeconomic development, including tourism, jobs, and community cohesiveness. Governments have strengthened laws and registries, while advanced discovery tools (satellite imagery, geophysics) and digital infrastructure (automated translation, real-time GIS) accelerate protection. Project players have also gained practical experience managing heritage across all construction phases. On the ground, HIAs are better and more inclusive. Proponents increasingly commit to early ID studies, avoidance by design, and preservation in place. Readiness for chance finds has improved, and a burgeoning support service industry offers new project options. However, old practices can linger. Development works can fall short in ensuring adequate funding and anchoring delivery with qualified, experienced personnel. Contract vagueness, data misinterpretation, misaligned mitigation, limited consultation, and community alienation sometimes persist, and projects aimed at elevating heritage can compromise authenticity.
Hope has 25 years’ experience putting management planning into practice, helping developers meet project heritage obligations onsite, across 5 continents and various sectors