ECONOMICS UNIQUENESS

84 ■ THE ECONOMICS OF UNIQUENESS
(Nijkamp et al. 1990). In community impact analysis, eff ects of international policies
regarding cultural heritage are mapped out for all relevant groups of society.
Th is approach leads normally to the design of a comprehensive eff ect matrix,
which also incorporates the distributive eff ects. Multicriteria analysis is a quantitative
judgment method based on a multidimensional impact assessment. It has
become a popular tool in many evaluation studies over the past decades. Seen
from the viewpoint of conservation policies, there is a need for an integrated cultural
and functional economic urban development strategy in which economic,
social, architectural, and historic aspects of city life are dealt with in a holistic way.
In this perspective, it is insuffi cient to look at the cost side of cultural heritage
policy. Cultural assets generate social benefi t, the value (economic, social, and
cultural) of which is related to the historic development of society and is perceived
by the present generation—including all direct and indirect users factored
in view of the future. Th ese benefi ts are clearly multidimensional in nature. Here
a parallel may be drawn with antiquities sold on the market. Th e value of an
antique good (a painting, for example) depends on its age, its degree of uniqueness,
its artistic quality, and its representation of a certain style period. Th e same
holds true for cultural heritage, although here an additional important consideration
plays a role; namely, its integration into the existing historic urban structure,
also known as the “urban ensemble.” (See box 4.2.)
Th e three described approaches are used in diff erent stages of evaluation
methods of cultural heritage assets. As mentioned before, the valuation of cultural
BOX 4.2
Contingent Valuation Estimates the Willingness to
Pay of Both Tourists and Residents in Guizhou, China
China, Guizhou Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development
Project (Project number 091950)
Total Project Cost: US$89.8 million
Total Loan Amount: US$60 million
Approved: May 2009 – Ongoing
Working with the government of Guizhou, this project is assisting the province
in increasing economic benefi ts for local communities through improved
tourism activities and better protection of cultural and natural heritage. The project
focuses mainly on support for 17 ethnic minority villages, four ancient towns,
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