Heritage as a bellwether for Peace: developing community-based indicators in conflict-affected contexts

This paper explores the development of community-based heritage indicators for peace, drawing on a collaborative project between an academic researcher and international heritage body. The approach discussed adapts the Everyday Peace Indicators (EPI) methodology for a heritage setting, demonstrating the value of innovative cross-sectoral use of tools and ideas to support heritage professionals working in conflict-affected contexts. Through an examination of the theoretical underpinnings, methodological adaptations, and implementation challenges, the paper highlights the potential of heritage as a culturally situated lens for understanding peace. It also reflects on the complexities of engaging with ‘the local’ in peacebuilding and heritage work, and the implications for policy and practice.