Abstract: The problem of cultural heritage is a relatively new field in science. Not only did the notion of ‘cultural heritage’ begin to crystallize itself in the 1970's, but it also became multidimensional and multidisciplinary. This phenomenon, new in social and cultural space, developing in a dynamic way and gaining in importance (e.g. with reference to the development of regions), requires developing new effective tools of management. In the following text an opinion is presented, according to which we should not aim at the excessive economization of cultural heritage, and treat it mainly as a medium which serves building the cultural capital, improving human relations and elaborating social profit, which exceeds economic calculations (e.g. by constructing cultural identity).

Key words: cultural heritage, heritage management, national and regional heritage

Since time immemorial…

The all-pervading cultural heritage, which surrounds us from the time we are born, determines our attitude to the world, unvaryingly producing delight, affirmation, pride, hatred or lament1. In this sense, cultural heritage is both an immanent constituent of our inner universe and an element bonding us to an ethnic group, local community or the nation we belong to. It is an open and forever under-defined set. As Peter Howard says, “Heritage has been de- scribed as ‘anything you want,’” so what we wish to consider to be our heritage is only our own autonomous decision.

Cultural heritage permeates us at the moment of birth or, to be more specific, at this special time we become a part of a distinctive cultural heritage. Growing up and making our own history, we can reject it or refuse to accept it, but it will never leave us entirely free; in fact, the lack of any cultural point of reference would mean denying one's own humanity. Even if the foundation myth of your personality is based on a total rejection of the heritage you were presented with at birth (not unlike the genetic pool you became part of) and grew up in, it will still remain your foundation manifesting the denial of the heritage you do not wish to be yours.

This means that it is hard to overestimate the significance of heritage for any human activity, both in its individual and social aspect. T is distinction seems particularly important.