2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention

Definition

The 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention is an international treaty aimed at the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage, which includes traditions, practices, expressions, and knowledge that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This convention emphasizes the importance of safeguarding living cultural traditions and promoting cultural diversity, reflecting a shift in the way heritage is understood and valued in a global context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention was adopted on October 17, 2003, in Paris, France, and came into force in 2006.
2. The convention defines intangible cultural heritage as practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
3. States parties to the convention are encouraged to create mechanisms for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage at local, national, and international levels.
4. The convention established lists to recognize exemplary practices of intangible heritage through the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
5. The convention highlights the significance of community participation in safeguarding practices, emphasizing that local communities play a crucial role in maintaining their cultural expressions.

Review Questions

• What are the main goals of the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention regarding cultural practices?
  • The main goals of the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention include safeguarding intangible cultural heritage practices by recognizing their importance to cultural identity and diversity. The convention aims to encourage communities to actively participate in preserving their traditions and knowledge while promoting awareness and appreciation for these living practices on a global scale. By focusing on community involvement and ownership, the convention seeks to ensure the continuity of these cultural expressions across generations.
• Analyze how the establishment of lists under the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention impacts communities around the world.
  • The establishment of lists under the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention has a significant impact on communities by providing formal recognition for their cultural practices. Being included on the Representative List can enhance visibility and prestige for these traditions, potentially attracting tourism and funding for preservation efforts. Moreover, it fosters a sense of pride among community members, encouraging them to engage with and sustain their heritage. However, there are also concerns about commodification and misrepresentation that can arise from this recognition.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention in promoting cultural diversity and addressing global challenges such as globalization.
  • The effectiveness of the 2003 UNESCO Intangible Heritage Convention in promoting cultural diversity lies in its emphasis on community involvement and the recognition of diverse cultural expressions. By addressing globalization's impact on local traditions—where dominant cultures can overshadow marginalized ones—the convention encourages countries to take proactive measures in safeguarding their intangible heritage. While it has made significant strides in raising awareness about the value of intangible cultural practices globally, challenges remain regarding implementation consistency and ensuring that all voices are represented fairly within this framework.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, including traditions, languages, and performing arts.

UNESCO: UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the UN that promotes international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.

Safeguarding: Safeguarding involves the measures taken to protect and preserve cultural heritage, particularly intangible elements, ensuring their continued practice and transmission across generations.