Balancing Sacredness and Beauty: Exploring a Hybrid Management Model for Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site

Abstract

The cultural pride and historical significance of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site make it a challenging place to reconcile with its aesthetic appeal. This paper delves into the potential for a hybrid management model that incorporates these frequently competitive dimensions. Great Zimbabwe's beauty and architectural opulence are both globally recognized, but the local people also hold it in high esteem as a sacred location. The study highlights the need to maintain the site's cultural and spiritual values while preserving its historical significance for future generations. The research scrutinizes management practices, revealing shortcomings in addressing both spiritual and aesthetic values. Through utilizing case studies and reviewing literature on heritage management, this research examines the effectiveness of hybrid management models in managing other historic sites. Based on these cases, the article proposes applying a customized hybrid model to Great Zimbabwe. This framework recommends inclusive governing, increased community engagement, and adaptive management that respects the site's sacredness and beauty. By blending traditional practices with modern principles, the hybrid model endeavours to address current challenges while ensuring sustainable conservation for this culturally complex site.