Intangible heritage (Periodic Reporting)

Intangible cultural heritage is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and sometimes individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Also called ‘living cultural heritage’, it is usually expressed in one of the following forms: oral traditions; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional artisanal skills.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO in 2003. The convention aims to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage; ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals concerned; raise awareness at local, national and international levels of the importance of intangible cultural heritage, and ensuring mutual appreciation thereof; and provide for international cooperation and assistance. Full details of the convention can be found here.

Source(s): Managing Natural World Heritage