| dc.description.abstract | Urbanisation and globalisation have led to loss of features in many ancient and new settlements in the
world, which define their identity. In the East African Coast, such features are fast disappearing. This
erosion of the architectural heritage is closely linked with the loss of a socio-cultural identity, resulting in
the deterioration of the quality of urban life. Various means have been tried to improve this historic built
environment, with the symbiosis of both tourism and heritage places becoming a major objective in the
management and planning of historic areas. With sustainable settlement being a global concern, and
within the context of the historic urban areas of Lamu and Mombasa Old Towns, this paper explores the
current conflicts among the ideas of urban conservation, heritage and tourism, arguing that the most
sustainable approach to management of historical areas is the one based on community and culture-led
agenda | en |
