Three initiatives have been recognized by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage for their outstanding safeguarding practices and listed in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. These are the Vocational Training School of ULUV (Slovakia), the Sustainability Progress Program of Kobza and Rataliras Traditions (Ukraine) and the “omana Youth Education Ship – A Vessel of Peace and Cultural Dialog” programme (Oman).
Two cultural elements were inscribed on the Urgent safeguarding List due to their need for immediate preservation. They are the Rain-Calling and Well-being Rituals of Vosana and related practices (Botswana) and the Reog Ponorogo Ritual Performance (Indonesia).
This year,58 new elements were added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
These include various festivals and traditional celebrations, such as Nowruz (also spelled Navruz, Nevruz, Nowrouz), which was submitted by 13 countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia). China also submitted the Spring Festival, celebrated as chinese New Year, for the international list.
The representative List also includes diverse skills, such as the traditional craft of Parisian zinc roof workers (France), Norwegian folk costume making and wearing (Norway), the Aleppo soap-making tradition (Syria) and others. Numerous culinary traditions were also recognized, including the Asturian cider culture (Spain), the Tom Yum Kung soup-making tradition (Thailand), the Malaysian breakfast culture (Malaysia), Arab coffee (The United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, saudi Arabia, and Jordan), and the Japanese saké brewing traditions (japan). Latvia submitted “Mulgi Butter Bread making and Consumption in Mulgimaa”, and jointly with ukraine, “Pisanka,” a ukrainian Easter egg decorating tradition.
The joint submission by 16 Arab states regarding henna rituals, aesthetics, and social applications also attracted significant international attention.
The meeting also reviewed progress reports from African countries on the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and discussed other relevant issues. Reports from non-governmental organizations involved in the safeguarding and development of intangible cultural heritage were also presented. More than 200 NGOs worldwide are currently accredited by UNESCO to provide advice on various aspects of intangible cultural heritage. among them are the Latvian NGOs “Serde” and “Suitu Kultūras Mantojums.”
A number of presentations and discussions on intangible cultural heritage were held parallel to the Committee’s sessions. The Ukrainian-hosted discussion “Protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage under Wartime conditions 2022-2024” received notable support.
A declaration co-authored by multiple countries, including Latvia, was also read aloud at the Committee, condemning russia’s invasion of Ukraine and emphasizing the irreparable damage inflicted on both tangible and intangible heritage by the war.Latvia was represented at UNESCO’s 19th session in Asunción, Paraguay, by Gita Lancere, expert on intangible cultural heritage at the Latvian National Culture Center, and Signe pucena, representative of the Interdisciplinary Art Group.
“Two more nations, South Africa and Sierra Leone, have joined UNESCO’s 2003 Convention this year, bringing the total number of signatory countries to 183. This demonstrates a global commitment to recognize and preserve intangible cultural heritage. The gathering in Paraguay provided a platform to connect with representatives from diverse countries, learn from their experiences, and gain insights into their cultures. Witnessing the unity in support of Ukraine’s efforts to protect its heritage under challenging circumstances was truly inspiring. When representing our nation on such a global stage,we always encounter a sense of pride,” stated Gita Lancere,expert on intangible cultural heritage at the Latvian National Culture Centre.The event gathered over 900 participants from 120 countries – including Committee members from 24 countries, delegations and representatives from UNESCO member states, non-governmental organizations, and intergovernmental institutions, and also researchers, experts, and representatives of cultural heritage communities. The session was inaugurated by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, her Deputy Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone, and the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña.
What are the main challenges faced by cultural elements on UNESCO’s Urgent Safeguarding List?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and UNESCO Cultural Heritage Expert Dr. Amina Farooq
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Farooq. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you with us today. The recent recognition of three remarkable initiatives by UNESCO has captured global attention. Can you share a bit about these initiatives and what makes them stand out?
Dr. Farooq: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the three initiatives recognized by UNESCO are inspiring examples of creativity and dedication to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The Vocational Training School of ULUV in Slovakia focuses on skill preservation and cultural education, empowering individuals to maintain traditional crafts. The Sustainability Progress Program of Kobza and Rataliras Traditions in Ukraine promotes sustainable practices rooted in cultural heritage, showing how tradition and modernity can align. Lastly, the “Oman Youth Education Ship” initiative serves as a unique cultural dialog platform, fostering peace and understanding through shared maritime heritage.These programs exemplify effective safeguarding practices that can inspire similar efforts worldwide.
Editor: It’s awe-inspiring to see such diverse practices being celebrated. Now, let’s talk about the cultural elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List. Can you explain why the Rain-Calling and Well-being Rituals of Vosana from Botswana and the Reog Ponorogo Ritual Performance from Indonesia are in urgent need of preservation?
Dr. Farooq: Both cultural elements face critically important challenges to thier survival. The Rain-Calling and Well-being Rituals of Vosana carry deep spiritual significance and have been practiced for generations. Though, modern pressures, including climate change and urbanization, threaten their practice and transmission. Similarly, the reog Ponorogo performance is a vibrant aspect of indonesian culture; yet, it struggles against commercialization and the loss of traditional contexts. Being listed as urgent highlights the immediate actions required to preserve not just the activities themselves but the community ties and cultural narratives intertwined with them.
Editor: It’s alarming to think about the pressure on such rich traditions. Switching gears, I noticed that 58 new elements were added to the representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One notable party is Nowruz, which is celebrated across 13 countries. What does this inclusion signify for the participating nations?
Dr. Farooq: The inclusion of Nowruz is profoundly significant as it represents solidarity and shared cultural values among the participating countries.It underscores the theme of interconnectedness in cultural practices that transcend borders. Nowruz embodies values of renewal, community, and celebration of nature, which resonate deeply across different cultures.It also serves as a reminder of the shared heritage that can inspire peace, unity, and understanding in a world frequently enough divided by differences.
Editor: That’s such a powerful message. As we move forward, what do you envision for the future of intangible cultural heritage preservation?
Dr. Farooq: I envision a future where intangible cultural heritage is integrated into education systems and community development strategies. Increased awareness will hopefully lead to broader support and funding for these initiatives. Collaborative efforts between governments, local communities, and international organizations can create sustainable frameworks for protecting these traditions. Moreover, leveraging technology and media can help in documenting and disseminating cultural practices, reaching younger generations, and ensuring that these rich heritages thrive in a modern context.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Farooq.your insights shed light on the critical importance of preserving these cultural legacies. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it’s vital that we cherish and protect what makes us unique.
Dr. Farooq: Absolutely, and thank you for shining a light on these important issues. It’s through conversations like these that we can foster greater appreciation and support for our diverse cultural heritage.