UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

Map of UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage (en)

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are an integral part of the efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to preserve the world's cultural heritage. The concept of intangible cultural heritage encompasses traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

Overview

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists were established in 2003 with the adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This convention aims to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions around the world. The Lists are a key tool in achieving this goal, highlighting traditions and practices of significant value to humanity in order to ensure their transmission to future generations.

The Lists

There are three main lists under the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage framework:

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

This list showcases elements of intangible cultural heritage that demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance. It includes a wide array of expressions from various cultures around the globe, from traditional music and dance to culinary traditions and craft techniques.

The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

This list is composed of intangible cultural heritage elements that are considered to require urgent measures to keep them alive. Inclusion in this list helps to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for stakeholders to take appropriate safeguarding measures.

The Register of Good Safeguarding Practices

This register includes programs, projects, and activities that best reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention. These examples serve as best practices for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, providing valuable insights and models that can be adapted and applied in different contexts.

Nomination Process

The process of nominating an element for inclusion in one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists involves several steps. It begins with the communities, groups, or individuals who hold this heritage. They work in close collaboration with their respective national governments to prepare a nomination file. This file must provide comprehensive information about the element, its current state, and the efforts being made to safeguard it. The nomination is then evaluated by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which makes the final decision on its inclusion.

Significance

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists play a crucial role in the preservation of cultural diversity in the face of globalization. By recognizing and supporting these living expressions of culture, UNESCO helps to ensure they continue to thrive and evolve. This not only benefits the communities directly involved but also enriches the cultural fabric of humanity as a whole.

Challenges

Despite the success of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, there are ongoing challenges in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. These include the rapid pace of globalization, environmental degradation, and the loss of traditional knowledge bearers. Addressing these challenges requires sustained effort and international cooperation.

Conclusion

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are a testament to the rich diversity of cultural expressions around the world. They highlight the importance of preserving our shared heritage for future generations and underscore the need for global cooperation in these efforts.