The impact of cultural heritage preservation policies on land use: the case of the Historic Centre of Pelotas (Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil.

Abstract

One of the main aims of cultural policies on the preservation of heritage is the revitalisation and sustainability of historic centres. In Brazil, 26 cities have been benefiting from the MONUMENTA Programme since 1999. Considering that its purpose is to promote the economic, social and cultural use of benefiting areas, the change in land use was analysed in the case study of the Historic Centre of Pelotas. With the information held by the Urban Planning Division of Pelotas Town Council, a detailed analysis was carried out on the economic activities in the years 2002 and 2007. According to the criteria established by the National Classification of Economic Activities, 15,155 records were identified and divided into categories. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was carried out, using as a criterion the Box and Whisker Diagram. The results from the project area revealed a reduction in floor space in categories of hospitality industry; social and health services and professional and administrative activities. However, it showed an increase in the categories of construction, art, culture, and leisure. Without underestimating any influence of other public policies in force at the time, the conclusions in this analysis will be credited to the MONUMENTA Programme.