Cultural Revaluation and Sustainable Development in Oaxaca: a local history of the management of archaeological resources.

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Moving the Needle: Expanding the Discourse on Modern Archaeology in Oaxaca (Part 1)" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This abstract presents an analysis of the history of archaeological resource management in Oaxaca, highlighting contemporary challenges and emerging community-based solutions in a context of deglobalization. Throughout its history, Oaxaca has been an epicenter of Mesoamerican cultures, hosting a vast archaeological heritage that has been managed by both state institutions and local communities. However, the administration of these resources has faced significant challenges, ranging from commercial exploitation and mass tourism to a lack of resources for adequate conservation. Currently, deglobalization processes have intensified these challenges, creating uncertainty about the sustainability of traditionally centralized management models. In response to this situation, Oaxacan communities have begun to develop innovative solutions based on self-management and local participation. These community initiatives focus on the protection of archaeological heritage through cultural revaluation, the promotion of responsible tourism, and the strengthening of local governance. By reclaiming control over their archaeological resources, the communities aim not only to preserve their cultural identity but also to create sustainable development models that address the challenges posed by deglobalization. This community-based approach offers a viable alternative to traditional management models, emphasizing the importance of local participation in heritage conservation and cultural resilience in times of global change.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• Moving the Needle: Expanding the Discourse on Modern Archaeology in Oaxaca (Part 1)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 51873