UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are a collection of UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage elements from around the world, including music, dance, theater, craftsmanship, and oral traditions from countries such as China, Japan, India, Brazil, and Mexico. The lists aim to promote and preserve the diversity of cultural expressions as recognized by the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is responsible for the implementation of the convention, with the support of UNESCO Member States such as France, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, and Australia. The lists have been established in cooperation with International Council of Museums, International Council on Monuments and Sites, and International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Introduction to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists comprise two main lists: the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The lists recognize the importance of intangible cultural heritage in the cultural identity of communities such as the Maori people of New Zealand, the Inuit of Canada, and the Aboriginal Australians. The recognition of intangible cultural heritage elements, such as the Kabuki theater of Japan, the Bharatanatyam dance of India, and the Samba music of Brazil, highlights the diversity of cultural expressions and promotes cultural exchange between countries such as China and United States. The lists also acknowledge the significant contributions of individuals such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Jorge Luis Borges to the rich cultural heritage of their respective countries, including Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.

History of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

The history of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists dates back to the adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003 by the UNESCO General Conference. The convention was ratified by UNESCO Member States such as France, Germany, Italy, and United Kingdom, and entered into force in 2006. The first Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2006, with representatives from countries such as China, Japan, United States, and Brazil. The committee is responsible for the implementation of the convention and the establishment of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, which include elements such as the Flamenco music of Spain, the Tango dance of Argentina, and the Capoeira martial art of Brazil. The lists have been expanded to include elements from countries such as India, Russia, and South Africa, with the support of organizations such as the International Music Council and the International Theatre Institute.

Criteria for Inclusion on the Lists

The criteria for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are based on the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Operational Directives for the Implementation of the Convention. The criteria include the significance of the intangible cultural heritage element, its cultural importance, and its vulnerability. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage evaluates the nominations submitted by UNESCO Member States such as China, Japan, and United States, with the support of experts from organizations such as the International Council of Museums and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The committee also considers the community involvement and the safeguarding measures in place to protect the intangible cultural heritage element, such as the Georgian polyphonic singing of Georgia and the Mongolian throat singing of Mongolia.

List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements

The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements includes a wide range of intangible cultural heritage elements from around the world, such as the Korean folk music of South Korea, the Japanese Noh theater of Japan, and the Indian classical music of India. The list also includes elements such as the Mexican cuisine of Mexico, the Italian cuisine of Italy, and the Chinese cuisine of China. The list is not exhaustive, and new elements are added every year, such as the Reggae music of Jamaica and the Tango dance of Argentina and Uruguay. The list is maintained by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the support of UNESCO Member States such as France, United Kingdom, and United States.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List by Region

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List by Region includes elements from Africa, such as the Ghanaian kente cloth of Ghana and the South African gumboot dancing of South Africa. The list also includes elements from Asia, such as the Chinese calligraphy of China and the Japanese tea ceremony of Japan. The list includes elements from Europe, such as the Spanish flamenco of Spain and the Italian opera of Italy. The list also includes elements from Latin America and the Caribbean, such as the Cuban rumba of Cuba and the Brazilian samba of Brazil. The list is not exhaustive, and new elements are added every year, with the support of organizations such as the International Council of Museums and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Preservation and Promotion Efforts

The Preservation and Promotion Efforts for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists include a range of activities, such as documentation, research, and community involvement. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage works with UNESCO Member States such as China, Japan, and United States to develop safeguarding plans for the intangible cultural heritage elements. The committee also provides technical assistance and financial support to countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa to help them preserve and promote their intangible cultural heritage. The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists are also promoted through events such as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the International Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the support of organizations such as the International Music Council and the International Theatre Institute. Category:UNESCO