Reconciling the Bryggen World Heritage Property with Bergen’s Strategy for Sustainable Urban Development through Heritage Impact Assessment

Abstract

This case study sheds light on potential ways of embedding water-related heritage in an integrated strategy of sustainable urban development in Bergen, Norway. Particular attention is paid to the ongoing Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) process in Bergen, which was started in 2019 to assess potential impacts of Bergen’s new transport strategy on the World Heritage site. Various HIA reports have been compiled and discussed with Bergen’s planning authorities, other experts and in a public hearing process. The municipality of Bergen has used the HIA to reconcile the preservation of the Bryggen World Heritage site and its historic harbor setting with its strategy for sustainable urban development. Hence, the HIA is serving as an essential tool to implement the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.