Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage: UNESCO’s Role and Impact
For centuries, different cultures around the world have created intangible heritage that showcases their existence and identity. This intangible heritage includes values, customs, traditions, rituals, beliefs, and art forms. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern for the loss of this heritage due to globalization, modernization and socio-economic changes. Hence, it has become important to preserve intangible cultural heritage and protect it from disappearing. UNESCO has taken a leading role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, and this article explores the UNESCO’s role and impact on preserving it.
What is intangible cultural heritage?
Intangible cultural heritage is the knowledge, skills, practices, and expressions that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Intangible heritage is transmitted from generation to generation, and it is context-specific. It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, festive events, knowledge and practices regarding nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship. Intangible heritage offers a sense of identity, continuity, and respect for diversity.
UNESCO’s role in preserving intangible cultural heritage
UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international cooperation and understanding among nations. UNESCO’s cultural program aims to preserve, protect, and promote cultural heritage worldwide, including intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO recognizes that intangible heritage is an essential part of the world’s cultural diversity and treasures.
UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted in 2003, establishes a framework for the identification, protection, and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The Convention recognizes the importance of community participation and involvement in the safeguarding of intangible heritage, and it offers support to states and communities to safeguard their heritage. The Convention also establishes the intangible cultural heritage lists: the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
UNESCO’s criterion for inscription on the Representative List includes the identification of the intangible heritage’s significance, integrity, and viability. To be included on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the intangible heritage must face serious threats to its viability and be in danger of disappearing.
Impact of UNESCO’s role in preserving intangible cultural heritage
UNESCO’s role in preserving intangible cultural heritage has had a significant impact worldwide. UNESCO’s recognition of intangible cultural heritage has raised awareness of its value and contribution to the world’s cultural diversity. The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the establishment of the intangible cultural heritage lists, has mobilized efforts to safeguard intangible heritage.
UNESCO’s support to states and communities in safeguarding their heritage has led to the implementation of safeguarding measures, including inventorying, documenting, revitalizing, and transmitting intangible heritage. The implementation of safeguarding measures has contributed to the revival and sustenance of traditional practices and the promotion of intercultural dialogue. UNESCO has also promoted tourism and cultural industries by providing opportunities for communities to share their heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, intangible cultural heritage is an essential part of the world’s cultural diversity, and its preservation is crucial to maintain cultural identity, respect for diversity, and peace and security. UNESCO has played a crucial role in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage by providing a framework and support for its preservation and promotion. UNESCO’s impact on preserving intangible cultural heritage has been significant, and it has contributed to the revival and sustenance of traditional practices, intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of tourism and cultural industries. It is essential to continue to support and promote UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage for present and future generations.
