The politics of world heritage: a case study of the Pitons Management Area, St Lucia Research Paper

As a small island developing state, St Lucia is faced with a major challenge of striking a balance between its economic and conservation goals. The inscription of the Pitons Management Area (PMA) as a World Heritage Site has intensified this challenge. Inscription of a site not only heightens conservation sensitivity, but also elevates the profile of the site as a viable development option, thereby stimulating demand. Previous research found that the integrity and sustainability of the PMA was in large part threatened by an apparent lack of commitment, coordination and political will in the public sector. This study serves as to further examine trends and patterns in the discourse on the PMA. Given the significant role played by the media, in light of the small size of the island, a content analysis of news articles about the PMA in the country's two leading newspapers were conducted. Analysis identified that more attention has been placed on addressing problems and issues rather than capitalizing on opportunities to gain from the inscription of the site. Findings revealed the primacy of politics in the management of the site, as issues centred on the quandary of development have persisted since the inscription and has continued.

Area of Interest: St Lucia 

The year 2012