Heritage conservation initiatives have occupied the newspaper headlines in Hong Kong lately.

We can easily understand that heritage conservation policy amounts to an authorization derived from a consensus among the people, for the government to preserve heritage sites that nurture cultural identification and a sense of cultural honor.

With such core values, the reunification of Hong Kong with the motherland has created a stronger sense of belonging to the broader society among the people of Hong Kong. People have started to treasure old structures and cultural landmarks and to look back at them with nostalgia. At the same time, the effort heightens public awareness and interest concerning the value of conserving treasured heritage.

Heritage conservation can also boost the ancillary benefits of the relics by developing a surrounding, nostalgic cultural district to augment the city's leisure space. These cultural areas enhance the historical depth and cultural grace of our city and strengthen its appeal and competitiveness as a metropolis. All this helps to promote cultural tourism and bring economic benefits.

In the process of regaining a balance in our concepts of land and property, the people and the developers are growing more concerned about the living environment and cultural ambience of the districts in which their properties are situated. They are now beginning to appreciate the value-added effect to their properties when there are cultural initiatives.

As we look at global trends and learn from local experience, we can come to the conclusion that there are two prerequisites for the successful implementation of heritage conservation: first, there must be a general agreement in society that historical relics are common cultural heritage, worthy of preservation. Preservation ought to be facilitated through the use of public and social resources. Property owners should also agree that their properties are of cultural value and owners should be prepared to cooperate with the government and agree to exchange those properties for properties of equal value under certain conditions. Second, buildings designated for heritage preservation must be integrated with the modern way of living, to give full play to their functions in society and to a certain extent bring financial benefits. In this manner, sustainable development may be achieved.

Heritage conservation must face the question of cost versus benefit.

The discussion of perceived value is paramount. Old things may not be worth a penny, but antiques can be priceless. New cars are more valuable than used ones, but the value of classic cars may sometimes be higher than new ones. Old buildings may not be worth much, but "antique, heritage buildings" may carry economic benefits as great as those of newly-developed buildings. That will occur when developers and property owners in Hong Kong consider the honor of owning a heritage site equal to the economic value of new buildings.

Heritage Conservation should begin with an exploration of the common values of Hong Kong society. Only through public participation and recognition can we avail ourselves of the enjoyment of a society enriched by history, culture and monuments.

The author is former secretary for home affairs of the Hong Kong SAR government

(HK Edition 04/08/2010 page1)