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Traditional dances, crafts, knowledge and music on the agenda at Intangible Heritage Committee

Source:http://en.unesco.org   Date:2015-11-25


The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will convene from 29 November until 4 December in Windhoek, Namibia under the chairmanship of Trudie Amulungu (Namibia).


On the agenda of the Committee, formed by the representatives of 24 States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, is to review the seven nominations for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, as well as 34 nominations for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Committee will also examine a collection of ethical principles to be taken into consideration when safeguarding intangible heritage. There are twelve general principles, the goal of which is to prevent any form of disrespect or moral, legal or commercial misappropriation of intangible cultural heritage. These include the importance of free and informed prior consent of local communities; respecting the rights of those concerned to full and equitable participation in any process, project or activity that may affect them; and the recognition of the crucial role of these people in the maintenance and management of their culture and heritage.

The List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is composed of intangible heritage elements whose viability is at risk and whose safeguarding is regarded as a matter of urgency. It numbers 38 elements to date and enables States Parties to the Convention to mobilize the international cooperation and assistance required to ensure the transmission of these cultural practices with the participation of the communities concerned.

This year’s seven nominations for inscription on the List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding are:
•Colombia - Traditional Vallenato music of the Greater Magdalena region
•Egypt - Traditional hand puppetry
•Iran (Islamic Republic of) - Traditional knowledge and skills of constructing Baadgirs (wind catchers)
•Mongolia - Coaxing ritual for camels
•Portugal - Manufacture of cowbells
•The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - Glasoechko, male two-part singing in Dolni Polog
•Uganda - Koogere oral tradition of the Basongora, Banyabindi and Batooro peoples