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Roundup: UNESCO examines 37 requests for intangible cultural heritage inscription

Xinhua, November 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) meeting in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, is expected to examine 37 requests for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During its meeting from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) also examines five nominations for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The representatives of 24 States Parties to UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, who form the Committee, will also examine issues concerning intangible heritage in emergency situations caused by conflict or natural disaster.

It will envisage safeguarding measures that can be applied in such cases and consider the role intangible heritage can play in restoring social cohesion and supporting reconciliation, according to the UNESCO.

Ten years after the Convention entered into force, the Committee will examine creation of a monitoring instrument to measure its impact and progress achieved.

The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding currently features 43 particularly vulnerable elements of the living heritage.

It helps States Parties to the Convention rally international cooperation and assistance to ensure the transmission of these cultural practices with the agreement of the communities concerned.

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity presently number 336 inscribed elements.

It aims to enhance the visibility of communities' traditions and knowledge without recognizing standards of excellence or exclusivity, said UNESCO.

The nominations for 2016 for the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity include China's "The Twenty-Four Solar Terms", knowledge in China of time and practices developed through observation of the sun's annual motion.

"The Oromo Gada system, an indigenous democratic socio-political system," a request by the meeting's host country, Ethiopia, is among the nominations for 2016 for the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The Committee will furthermore review seven programmes proposed for inclusion on the Register of Best Safeguarding Practices.

Twelve elements are already featured on the Register, which seeks to promote programmes, projects and activities that reflect optimally the Convention's principles and objectives.

UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has been ratified by 171 States Parties to date.

The Committee meets annually to implement the Convention and examine requests for inscription on its various lists. Endit