Understanding the Significance of the 2003 Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible cultural heritage refers to cultural customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices that are passed down from generation to generation, often through oral traditions. Over the years, many of these traditions have become endangered or have been lost due to globalization and modernization. In 2003, UNESCO established the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage to preserve and protect these traditions. In this article, we will discuss the significance of this convention and its impact on the world.
What is the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage?
The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was created by UNESCO in 2003. The aim of the convention is to safeguard and promote the diverse cultural traditions of communities around the world. It recognizes that intangible cultural heritage is not only significant to the communities that practice these traditions but also important for the world as a whole. The convention defines intangible cultural heritage as “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage”.
Why is it important to safeguard intangible cultural heritage?
Intangible cultural heritage is an important aspect of cultural diversity. It provides a sense of identity and continuity for communities and links them to their past. Intangible cultural heritage is also a source of knowledge and skills that has been developed over many generations. In addition, it plays an important role in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, as well as sustainable development.
The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage helps to ensure that these traditions are preserved for future generations. It involves a range of measures, including inventorying and documenting intangible cultural heritage, safeguarding through education and transmission, promoting social and cultural development, and providing financial and technical support for communities.
What has been the impact of the Convention on the world?
The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has had a significant impact on the world since its inception in 2003. As of 2021, 178 countries have ratified the convention, making it one of the most widely supported conventions in UNESCO’s history.
Over the years, the convention has helped to raise awareness about the importance of intangible cultural heritage and the need to safeguard it. It has also provided a framework for countries to develop policies and measures to safeguard their own intangible cultural heritage.
The convention has also led to the creation of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, which include the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. These lists provide international recognition and visibility to communities’ intangible cultural heritage and highlight the need for their safeguarding.
Conclusion
The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is a significant step towards preserving and protecting the world’s diverse cultural traditions. By recognizing the importance of intangible cultural heritage and providing a framework for safeguarding it, the convention helps to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development. The impact of the convention can be seen in the increase in countries’ efforts to safeguard their own intangible cultural heritage and the increase in international recognition and visibility of communities’ traditions. As we move forward, it is important to continue to recognize the significance of intangible cultural heritage and work towards its safeguarding.
