Creating Values of Heritage: An Analysis of Policy Processes of Candidacy to UNESCO's World Heritage List

The thesis, in its analysis of the processes of candidacy to the World Heritage List, shows how the so-called Outstanding Universal Value is constructed.This is demonstrated through an empirical approach that examines four different case studies based on direct experience. The methodology is based on the structuring of a phased Model capable of interpreting the policy processes of the nominations and on qualitative analysis using semi-structured interviews with key agents in the various case studies, both at local level (promoters, local experts,consultants) and at national level with officials from the UNESCO Office of the Ministry of Culture. The data analysis was structured according to the principles of grounded theory and was ultimately based on a mixed approach to the analysis of the data collected through interviews. The aim of the doctoral thesis is to develop a frameworkforw for understanding the candidacy policy process and to show how the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage is constructed and maintained over time. The model is proposed as a framework capable of interpreting other nomination cases, as a ageneral tool.