ALONG THE RIVER (WITH REVISIONS FOR SUBMISSION NUMBER: 849171)

Marcelo Maia

All Papers

Submission

Paper Title

ALONG THE RIVER (WITH REVISIONS FOR SUBMISSION NUMBER: 849171)

Authors

Marcelo Maia

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

4. Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse - A critical examination of the state of the art in heritage discussions, considering the evolving perspectives and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the Venice Charter. Examining the relevance of the Venice Charter in the current context, with a focus on challenges posed by the Western divide between nature and culture, the growing importance of metropolises, social inequities, the environmental impact of human activities, disasters and conflicts, among others.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/884077-along-the-river-(with-revisions-for-submission-number--849171)

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

Urbanization Processes, Rio das Velhas, Natural Infrastructures, Rail Heritage, Industrial Heritage

Summary

This paper critically examines contemporary challenges in heritage discourse, focusing on the evolving perspectives and issues since the Venice Charter’s inception. The discussion includes an analysis of urban development in the largest metropolitan region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, highlighting how historical routes, waterways, and railroads shaped the region’s urbanization. The Rio das Velhas, as a natural heritage and historical infrastructure, not only hosted the first human settlements but also guided explorers in their quest for riches, leading to the gold cycle that profoundly marked the history of Minas Gerais. The river facilitated navigation and the construction of crucial infrastructure, such as railways that connected early Brazilian steelworks and enabled the exploitation and export of iron ore. By exploring the historical significance of the Rio das Velhas Valley, we closely examine its urban, rail, and industrial heritage. The transition from rail to road transportation underscores the socio-environmental impacts and the fragmentation of the river valley, as well as its environmental degradation. Mid-20th-century policies, starting with the National Road Plan (1944), led to the dual abandonment of the Rio das Velhas, sidelining it from regional development and resulting in socio-environmental and economic decline, which gradually led to the loss of part of its historical heritage. These local insights provide a broader understanding of global heritage challenges, emphasizing the need to adapt heritage conservation practices to natural infrastructures and the historical processes of urbanization. Furthermore, comparing this case with the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China, where policies for the conservation of rivers and their basins have been implemented with mixed results, could offer critical insights. Such a comparative analysis may reveal both the strengths and shortcomings of different approaches, helping to formulate more effective recommendations for improving heritage conservation practices in similar contexts and enhancing our strategies for preserving natural and historical infrastructures worldwide.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

MAIA, Marcelo. ALONG THE RIVER (WITH REVISIONS FOR SUBMISSION NUMBER: 849171).. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/884077-ALONG-THE-RIVER-(WITH-REVISIONS-FOR-SUBMISSION-NUMBER--849171). Access in: 31/08/2025