Why the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is Essential for Preservation
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) refers to the practices, knowledge, and expressions that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. It includes language, music, dance, rituals, and other forms of expression that are passed down from generation to generation and are constantly evolving. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO and aims to protect the world’s ICH. In this blog article, we will explore why this convention is essential for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
The History of the 2003 Convention
The 2003 Convention was created in response to the growing recognition that traditional knowledge and cultural expressions were at risk of disappearing due to globalization, urbanization, and other factors. UNESCO recognized the urgent need to protect and safeguard this intangible cultural heritage, which has significant cultural, social, and economic value. The Convention has been ratified by 180 countries, and its implementation has led to the creation of national and regional programs for ICH safeguarding.
Why is the 2003 Convention Essential for ICH Preservation?
The Convention provides a framework for the protection and safeguarding of ICH through a series of measures at the national and international levels. It encourages countries to identify and document their intangible cultural heritage and to take measures to ensure its viability and transmission to future generations. It also promotes the participation of communities in the safeguarding process and recognizes their role as the primary guardians of their cultural heritage.
One of the critical aspects of the Convention is the creation of inventory systems that identify and document intangible cultural heritage. The inventories serve as a basis for developing policies and programs for safeguarding ICH, as well as for international cooperation and sharing of best practices. The inventories are also important for raising awareness about the diversity of intangible cultural heritage and its value to communities and society as a whole.
Examples of Successful ICH Preservation Programs
The implementation of the 2003 Convention has led to the creation of several successful ICH preservation programs. For example, in Japan, the traditional art of Washi papermaking was facing extinction due to the introduction of cheaper industrial paper. However, through the efforts of the Japanese government and local communities, the art was given new life, and today, Washi paper is considered an important cultural heritage.
Similarly, in India, the traditional art of puppetry was in decline due to the introduction of modern forms of entertainment. However, through the efforts of local puppetry artists and organizations, the art has been revitalized and recognized as a vital part of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is essential for the preservation of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. It provides a framework for the protection and safeguarding of ICH through a series of measures at the national and international levels. The Convention encourages countries to identify and document their intangible cultural heritage, and it promotes the participation of communities in the safeguarding process. Through the implementation of the Convention, several successful ICH preservation programs have been created, and many traditional arts and practices have been saved from extinction.
