Understanding the Importance of Regulation 79 in Supporting Cultural Diversity
In a world where globalization and technological advancements have brought nations closer than ever before, preserving cultural diversity has become more crucial than ever. Culture enriches our lives, helps us understand the world around us and can be a source of national pride. Regulation 79 plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity by protecting traditional and cultural expressions. In this blog post, we will understand the importance of Regulation 79 in supporting cultural diversity.
What is Regulation 79?
Regulation 79 refers to the protection of traditional cultural expressions. It is a regulation that protects cultural goods and services, including traditional knowledge, folklore, and cultural expressions. It was adopted in 2005 by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in response to concerns that globalization and modernization would lead to the disappearance of traditional and cultural expressions.
Importance of Regulation 79 in Supporting Cultural Diversity
Regulation 79 plays a significant role in supporting cultural diversity. Here are some reasons why it is essential:
1) Preservation of cultural heritage: The regulation helps in protecting traditional cultural expressions that are significant to communities, tribes, and even nations. It provides legal protection that can help prevent unauthorized use, misappropriation, and exploitation of cultural products, symbols, and practices.
2) Revitalizing endangered cultures: Cultural diversity is at risk, with many traditional practices and expressions threatened with extinction. Regulation 79 helps safeguard cultural heritage by providing legal protection and incentives for the revitalization of endangered cultures.
3) Promoting creativity: The regulation also promotes creativity by providing an environment where traditional and cultural expressions can be freely used, adapted, or transformed for new and innovative cultural or commercial purposes.
4) Balancing protection and use: The regulation offers a balanced approach between the protection of cultural expressions and the freedom to use them. It recognizes the need for cultural expressions to be protected while also allowing for their continued use in a variety of contexts.
Examples of Regulation 79 in Action
Here are some examples of how Regulation 79 has been used to support cultural diversity:
1) Protection of traditional dance forms: In 2016, UNESCO announced that the traditional dance form of Bali, Indonesia, would be added to its list of intangible cultural heritage, providing legal protection for the traditional expression.
2) Preventing the misuse of cultural symbols: In 2009, the Maori tribe in New Zealand won a legal battle to protect their traditional Haka dance from commercial exploitation by overseas companies.
3) Promoting traditional handicrafts: In India, artisans who produce handmade carpets, shawls, and other handicrafts can use the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the regulation to prevent imitation and protect their traditional knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural diversity is crucial for maintaining our collective identity and creating vibrant and dynamic communities. Regulation 79 plays a significant role in promoting cultural diversity by protecting traditional and cultural expressions. It safeguards our cultural heritage, revitalizes endangered cultures, promotes creativity, and offers a balanced approach between protection and use. By understanding the importance of Regulation 79, we can help create a more inclusive and diverse world.
