Cultural heritage has increasingly been seen as an instrument for peace and reconciliation. Its restoration can help to rebuild communities and overcome a sense of loss in the wake of conflict. A legal precedent has also been established in recent years where land has been returned to those with traditional or customary rights.
Areas of high social or cultural value are restored when:
- Areas of cultural or social value are reconstructed or rebuilt; or
- Land which has been acquired in a contentious way is returned to those with traditional or customary rights.
This Positive Pursuit encompasses any action which achieves such an outcome.