From forbidden to shared: Reimagining the stewardship of fruit trees in a heritage landscape

Public fruit trees in heritage edible landscapes can provide multiple benefits, yet their management presents challenges that require a clear understanding of stakeholder perceptions and behaviors. Akbarieh Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a distinctive case within this framework. Unlike many historical gardens in Iran that have either lost their edible landscapes or restricted public access, Akbarieh has preserved its fruit-bearing trees while remaining open to visitors. Its approach to balancing conservation with public engagement provides valuable insights into governance frameworks and operational constraints regulating visitor interactions with heritage edible landscapes. Using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews with 11 stakeholders, this study investigates how cultural heritage managers and staff perceive public participation in fruit tree maintenance and usage. It further explores existing precedents for structured community involvement in heritage garden management. Findings reveal key thematic concerns, including (1) the social and cultural significance of fruit trees in fostering community identity and environmental education, (2) governance challenges related to enforcement, funding, and public participation, (3) the economic potential of structured harvesting programs while safeguarding cultural integrity, and (4) the need for improved communication strategies to bridge conservation priorities with sustainable community access. By addressing governance dynamics and institutional decision-making, this study proposes strategies to reconcile conservation requirements with participatory models, offering a roadmap for sustainable management of heritage edible landscapes.