Numerous challenges exist regarding the balance and interaction between the tangible needs of cultural heritage and the contemporary and future demands of societies. In the past, each of these domains functioned within separate management systems, following their own organizational paths. Today, however, addressing shared challenges and needs requires the integration of systems and the development of a comprehensive management framework that safeguards cultural heritage—as a testimony of our history and identity—while aligning with present societal requirements and future-oriented urban development. This integration aims to expand political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions within a shared benefit framework. Governments today, with a comprehensive view of cultural heritage as a public common good, are striving to protect heritage and prevent its neglect and disappearance. Consequently, there is a growing need for harmonizing management systems and adopting an integrated heritage management model within institutional structures. The interdependence and convergence of heritage preservation and heritage tourism have led to the emergence of the integrated heritage management approach within the heritage management field, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and development of both heritage and society. In Iran, the concept of integrating management systems remains unfamiliar and has caused significant damage to cultural heritage. Learning from global management experiences and understanding the local context for adapting such approaches can effectively support heritage conservation efforts. This article, using a descriptive-analytical method based on document and literature studies, aims to introduce and emphasize the necessity of an integrated management approach to heritage systems. The objective is to highlight the impact of integrated management on the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
