UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

Introduction

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are a set of international registries maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to recognize and protect intangible cultural heritage elements around the world. These lists aim to ensure the safeguarding of cultural practices, traditions, and expressions that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. The lists serve as a tool for raising awareness of the significance of intangible cultural heritage and fostering international cooperation in its preservation.

Background and Purpose

Intangible cultural heritage refers to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This heritage is transmitted from generation to generation and is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, interaction with nature, and history. It provides communities with a sense of identity and continuity, promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists were established following the adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. The Convention aims to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of communities, raise awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage, and provide for international cooperation and assistance.

Structure of the Lists

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are composed of three primary components:

Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

This list includes cultural practices and expressions that help demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance. It aims to ensure better visibility of intangible cultural heritage and to encourage dialogue that respects cultural diversity. Elements inscribed on this list are considered to be of universal value and are recognized as representative of the cultural heritage of humanity.

List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

This list contains elements of intangible cultural heritage that require urgent measures to keep them alive. These elements are at risk of disappearing due to various factors such as environmental changes, globalization, or lack of resources. The list serves as a call to action for the international community to provide support and resources for the safeguarding of these vulnerable cultural practices.

Register of Good Safeguarding Practices

The Register of Good Safeguarding Practices includes programs, projects, and activities that best reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention. These practices serve as models for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and are recognized for their effectiveness in ensuring the viability of cultural practices. The register aims to encourage the exchange of experiences and promote innovative approaches to safeguarding.

Criteria for Inscription

The process of inscribing elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists involves a set of criteria that must be met. These criteria ensure that the elements are of significant cultural value and that their inscription will contribute to the objectives of the Convention. The criteria include:

The element must be recognized by the community, group, or individuals as part of their cultural heritage.
The element must be compatible with existing international human rights instruments.
The element must demonstrate the importance of intangible cultural heritage as a reflection of cultural diversity and human creativity.
The element must be submitted with a safeguarding plan that outlines measures for its preservation and transmission.

Process of Nomination and Evaluation

The nomination process for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists involves several stages, including preparation, submission, evaluation, and decision-making. The process is designed to be inclusive and participatory, ensuring that the voices of communities and stakeholders are heard.

Preparation and Submission

Communities, groups, or individuals interested in nominating an element for inscription must first prepare a nomination file. This file includes detailed information about the element, its significance, and the proposed safeguarding measures. The nomination must be submitted through the national government, which is responsible for ensuring that the nomination meets the required criteria.

Evaluation

Once submitted, the nomination is evaluated by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Committee is composed of representatives from 24 States Parties to the Convention, elected by the General Assembly of the States Parties. The evaluation process involves a thorough review of the nomination file, including the proposed safeguarding measures and the involvement of the community in the nomination process.

Decision-Making

The final decision on whether to inscribe an element on the lists is made by the Intergovernmental Committee during its annual session. The Committee considers the recommendations of the evaluation body and the information provided in the nomination file. If an element is inscribed, it is added to the appropriate list, and the safeguarding measures are implemented with the support of UNESCO and the international community.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists have been praised for their role in raising awareness and promoting the safeguarding of cultural heritage, they have also faced criticism and challenges. Some of the key issues include:

**Overemphasis on National Representation:** Critics argue that the lists may prioritize elements that are seen as representative of national identity, potentially overshadowing smaller or less recognized cultural practices.
**Commercialization and Exploitation:** The recognition of elements on the lists can lead to increased tourism and commercialization, which may threaten the authenticity and sustainability of the cultural practices.
**Resource Allocation:** The process of preparing and submitting nominations can be resource-intensive, potentially disadvantaging communities with limited resources or capacity.
**Cultural Homogenization:** There is concern that the global recognition of certain elements may lead to a homogenization of cultural practices, as communities may alter their traditions to fit the criteria for inscription.

Impact and Significance

Despite these challenges, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists have had a significant impact on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide. The lists have helped to raise awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage and have encouraged international cooperation in safeguarding efforts. They have also provided a platform for communities to share their cultural practices and traditions with a global audience, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Case Studies

Traditional Mexican Cuisine

One notable example of an element inscribed on the Representative List is Traditional Mexican Cuisine, which was recognized in 2010. This inscription highlights the cultural significance of Mexican culinary practices, including the use of traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and communal dining experiences. The recognition has helped to promote the preservation of traditional agricultural practices and the transmission of culinary knowledge to future generations.

The Art of Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving

The art of Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving was inscribed on the Representative List in 2010. This traditional craft is an integral part of Azerbaijani culture and identity, with a history dating back thousands of years. The inscription has helped to raise awareness of the cultural and historical significance of carpet weaving and has supported efforts to preserve the craft through education and training programs.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet was inscribed on the Representative List in 2013, recognizing its cultural and social significance in countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. The diet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish, and is associated with a range of health benefits. The inscription has helped to promote the preservation of traditional agricultural practices and the transmission of culinary knowledge.

Future Directions

As the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists continue to evolve, there are several key areas for future development and improvement:

**Enhancing Community Involvement:** Ensuring that communities are actively involved in the nomination and safeguarding processes is essential for the success of the lists. Efforts should be made to empower communities and provide them with the resources and support needed to preserve their cultural heritage.
**Addressing Global Challenges:** The lists should continue to address global challenges such as climate change, globalization, and technological advancements, which can impact the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
**Promoting Diversity and Inclusion:** Efforts should be made to ensure that the lists reflect the diversity of cultural practices worldwide, including those of marginalized or underrepresented communities.