The principles:

• Connection to a community and territory determines a sense of belonging;
• Social cohesion is founded on various levels of cooperation and commitment;
• Democracy is practised by engagement of civil society in dialogue and action, through shared responsibilities based on capacities. 

The criteria:

Who?

• Presence of an active civil society (heritage community) that has a common interest in a specific heritage;
• Presence of people who can convey the message (facilitators);
• Engaged and supportive political players in the public sector (local, regional, national institutes and authorities);
• Engaged and supportive stakeholders in the private sector (businesses, non-profit entities, academia, CSOs, NGOs, etc.).

How?

• Consensus on an expanded common vision of heritage;
• Willingness of all stakeholders to cooperate (local authorities and civil society);
• A defined common interest of a heritage-led action;
• Commitment and capacity for resource mobilisation.

What?

• Readiness of the group to engage in the process of developing diverse narratives based on the people and places;
• Aspirations towards a more democratic socio-economic model;
• Commitment to human rights principles in local development processes (respect for dignity and multiple identities);
• Improved democratic participation and social inclusion of all inhabitants.