UNESCO’S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Written by Melania Di Fazio

Translated by Sarah Fortunée Tabbakh

Italian Version here

When it comes to works of art, monuments, archaeological areas and cultural heritage in general, we often hear "world heritage". But do we really know what it is? 

 On November 16th 1945, in the occasion of the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME) , the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established and endorsed by twenty states, with the aim of "contributing to the construction of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, science, culture, communication and information". Through projects, collaboration between states, national and international institutions, UNESCO works to create favorable conditions for a world where human rights are heeded, regardless of nationality and culture. Among all the missions and projects carried out by the Organization, the most notorious work is certainly the creation of the "World Heritage Sites". The World Cultural and Natural Heritage is considered by UNESCO to be the most important bond between modern and ancient civilizations, and therefore must be protected regardless of the nation to which it belongs. Thus, in 1972, a convention was drawn up. Guidelines for the recovery and protection of cultural and environmental heritage were defined, along with a list of international sites in need of preservation. The list grows yearly, as new sites are constantly added to it. (Here is the official list: Italy is in the lead with 53 sites!). 

 In addition to protecting monuments, cities, artworks and natural sites, UNESCO also preserves assets defined as "intangible". These are actions and activities that cultural groups and communities consider an integral part of their own cultural heritage and that can be defined as “both traditional and living”. According to the International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, approved in 2003 at the 32nd session of the General Conference in Paris, and by Italy in 2007, they are “oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts”. 

 The question is: why safeguard something that does not concretely exist? Because monuments, artworks, natural sites and archaeological areas alone are not enough to tell the history of humanity; cultural identities, especially small local identities, recognize their territory with traditions, of which the roots are often lost in the mists of time. 

Furthermore, thanks to this intangible heritage, communities, groups and individuals can develop a strong sense of belonging to a place that does not always coincide with their land of origin. It is therefore essential to preserve and protect these special assets through documentation (written, photographic and audio-visual means), for the transmission of historical-cultural memory, and through the preservation of regions and their socio-cultural context, that are in constant evolution (this is why they are defined as "living" goods). 

Furthermore, the promotion of intangible assets is fundamental, and takes place with different forms of "heritage education". 

If, therefore, one of the main missions of UNESCO is to make sure human rights and cultures are respected, safeguarding cultural traditions and the works of ancient civilizations will perhaps one day raise awareness about the equality of peoples. 

 Some recommended reading on the subject: 

 - Here you will find the "information kit" on the Cultural Heritage history, its missions, activities and much more (http://whc.unesco.org/en/activities/567/) 

- Here you can download the .pdf "Convention concerning the worldwide protection of cultural and natural heritage" for free (www.unesco.beniculturali.it/getFile.php?id=35) 

- Here you can download the "Convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage" for free (www.unesco.beniculturali.it/getFile.php?id=48) 

 Melania