A participatory practice-informed research agenda for the historical sanctuary of Machupicchu: first experience in Peru

Purpose A research-practice team was convened for the Machupicchu World Heritage Site to participate in the Heritage Place Lab (HPL), with the goal of building a practice-informed research agenda designed to support the management needs of the site. Design/methodology/approach The agenda was built based on both the HPL methodology and a complementary one. Findings The proposed agenda centres on three research priorities: (1) Ecosystem services and well-being, (2) local sustainable development and cultural heritage, and (3) mixed-heritage research integration for conservation. Practical implications These priorities address conflicts between the two agencies that manage the site and a lack of awareness of heritage values in contrast to economic interests. Originality/value The article proposes new research-informed strategies for joint working between the managing agencies of a site where conservation needs conflict with public use demands, representing the first such case for Peru.