The Ecomuseum: a window to the past and a driver of sustainable development

Abstract

This literature review article aims to analyze the epistemology of the term “Ecomuseum” which was introduced by Georges-Henri Reviere and Hugo de Varin (1971), who indicate that it allows the promotion of sustainability, participation and community empowerment through innovative and shared approaches to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. Its main function is the creation of a museum center focused on individual, regional, community identification; it was established with the participation of residents to promote the welfare and development of the local community. This unique approach extends to the study, knowledge and understanding of nature and contributes to decision making on how nature is constructed and how it is used in practice, taking into account its benefits and beneficial effects. This theory also contributes to the cultural, social and economic stability of communities through active public participation. The main bibliographic sources consulted for this purpose focused on practices, including the processes implemented for the formation of ecomuseums. The understanding of this term is closely related to the knowledge of strategies and actions for the continuous improvement of tourism development through practices that preserve the cultural and natural heritage of rural communities. The creation of the term “ecomuseum” makes it possible to evaluate this form of museum as a means of preserving cultural and natural heritage.