Climate change has significant impacts on both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, the President of the International Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage said this Aktoty Raimkulova at the “High-Level Culture-Based Climate Action Dialog” at COP29.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented crisis caused by climate change, which is affecting every country on earth. In the fight against climate change, it is indeed critically important for us to remember that it is not only a technological or political problem, but also a cultural one. Ultimately, climate change has a significant impact both on the tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage,” said Raimkulova.
According to her,the Foundation works to preserve,protect and transmit culture and heritage to future generations.
It should be noted that on November 11, the 29th session of the conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) started in Baku.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent perilous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
there are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
What role does intangible cultural heritage play in communities’ resilience to climate change?
Interview: The Cultural Impact of Climate Change with Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the International Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage
Time.news Editor: welcome, Aktoty Raimkulova. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. In your recent address at COP29, you highlighted the notable impacts of climate change on cultural heritage. Can you elaborate on what you meant by both tangible and intangible cultural heritage?
Aktoty Raimkulova: thank you for having me.When we talk about tangible cultural heritage, we refer to physical artifacts, ancient sites, and monuments that embody our collective history. Climate change threatens these by causing erosion, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Meanwhile, intangible cultural heritage includes traditions, languages, and rituals. These can also be affected as communities relocate or experience disruptions in their ways of life due to climate-related challenges.
Time.news Editor: That’s a striking perspective. How does the Foundation work to preserve these aspects of culture amidst the climate crisis?
Aktoty Raimkulova: Our primary mission is to protect and transmit both tangible and intangible cultural heritage to future generations. We engage in various initiatives, such as education and awareness programs, sustainable tourism practices, and collaborations with local communities to empower them. By raising awareness, we aim to ensure that cultural preservation goes hand-in-hand with climate action.
Time.news editor: You mentioned the need for cultural considerations in climate initiatives.Why do you believe that climate change is not only a technological or political challenge but also a cultural one?
Aktoty Raimkulova: Climate change intimately affects how communities relate to their surroundings and identity. It challenges cultural narratives and practices that have been handed down through generations. Neglecting the cultural dimension can lead to ineffective solutions,as many strategies fail to connect with local values and traditions. Incorporating culture into climate policy is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
Time.news Editor: At COP29, you addressed a global audience. How do you see the role of international cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage amid climate change?
Aktoty Raimkulova: International cooperation is essential. We live in a globally interconnected world where cultural heritage knows no borders. Collaborative efforts among nations can lead to sharing best practices, resources, and knowledge that foster resilience. The involvement of 198 countries at forums like COP shows that there is a willingness to address these challenges collectively,and we must leverage this momentum.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice can individuals and communities take to protect their cultural heritage in the face of climate change?
Aktoty Raimkulova: First, engage with local heritage and recognize it’s value. Communities should document their stories, languages, and practices. Second, advocate for policies that protect cultural sites and promote sustainable practices. support local cultural events and initiatives that raise awareness about climate change impacts. It’s essential to weave cultural narratives into climate action, ensuring that people feel connected to their heritage while addressing these challenges.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Aktoty Raimkulova, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that culture plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change, and your work at the International Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage is essential in this fight.
Aktoty Raimkulova: Thank you for the possibility to discuss these critical issues. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a rich cultural legacy, even amid challenges posed by climate change.