Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities:
Perspectives for Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region

Kyoto, Japan
11 October 2024

ABSTRACTS

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11 October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Living Heritage and World Heritage Sites

Ananya BHATTACHARYA (Contact Base, India)

Though the UNESCO World Heritage Convention primarily safeguards tangible heritage,
there is growing recognition of the importance of connecting heritage management withliving heritage—local traditions, knowledge, and practices—at World Heritage Sites.
Aligning heritage management with sustainable development goals, particularly throughcommunity involvement and cultural heritage tourism initiatives, helps preserve sitevalues while sustaining their dynamic relationship with local communities. SDG 11.4
focuses on strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural andnatural heritage. Improving reporting on 11.4 entails tracking of both qualitative andquantitative measures to safeguard cultural and natural heritage and assess
conservation efforts alongside socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Santiniketan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Santiniketan,
founded by Rabindranath Tagore, was envisioned as a hub for universalism andsustainable rural development. Tagore emphasized the principles of self-reliance, whichwere to be achieved through a holistic integration of education, agriculture, art, andcrafts, creating a unique model for rural regeneration. This vibrant centre for culture,
education and arts is a unique destination offering insights on architecture, education,cultural exchange and co-creation, art and craft. Addressing economic dimensions ofsafeguarding living heritage through capacity building, promotion and market linkage
and integration into the tourism offerings has been instrumental in fostering
sustainability and viability of local art and crafts. Using Santiniketan as a case study, thepaper illustrates the broader impact of incorporating ICH into community empowerment
strategies. It demonstrates how such efforts can revitalize cultural practices, strengthencommunity identity, and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, gender equality, andsustainable cities and communities. The findings of this paper highlight the necessity ofadopting a holistic approach to heritage preservation—one that includes both tangible
and intangible elements. Such an approach ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive
representation of cultural heritage at World Heritage Sites, while also empowering local
communities and fostering sustainable development.

2International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11 October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Evaluation and Preservation of the Uji-cha Tea Cultural Landscape: How
Is It Possible to Preserve Landscapes That Are Adaptable to Change?

SHIMIZU Shigeatsu (Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan)

3International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11 October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

Traditional Handicraft Contributing to Sustainable Communities at Krabei
Riel: Toward Community development, Safeguarding and Transmitting
ICH within Angkor World Heritage Site

IM Sokrithy (APSARA National Authority, Cambodia)

In FY 2023, the project aimed to collect information using anthropological method andGIS program to explore the geographical characteristic of Krabei Riel Community, identify
natural resources used for handicraft within Angkor world heritage site and beyond,recognize types of local weaving products and its flow, and understand economic benefit
for local residents, mapping the Cultural Landscape of the local Community.
In FY 2024, the project is focusing on dissemination the research result of traditional
handicraft to young generations in Krabei Riel community and stakeholders tounderstand the importance of preserving natural resource, valuing local products, andtransmitting knowledge from generations to generations which is the core componentof ICH, while creating the opportunity for stakeholders to discuss on how a world
heritage site and tourism create a better living condition for local community while
practicing their traditional knowledges or ICH.
The presentation will demonstrate on the activities and research results as following:- Different types of local weaving products and Cultural Landscape of targetcommunity- The products flow from local community into business center of the community,
the city of Siem Reap and exporting to Thailand- From collected data to analyzing the family and community system related to
ICH and livelihood development- Infographics/documentary short video about process of weaving handicraft andthe locations of finding raw material- Poster presentation and an exhibition at local primary schools.

4International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11 October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

Intertwining Built Heritage Protection and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Safeguarding: Case Study of George Town Heritage Celebrations

ANG Ming Chee and TING Siew Jing (George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malaysia)

George Town (Malaysia) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008
through the serial nomination with Melaka Heritage City under the name of “Melaka andGeorge Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca” based on criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv).
This designation has recognised George Town and Melaka as cities where the imprintsof the Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences are reflected on the historic urban
fabric, forming the multicultural community who practice their rituals and daily lives inthe town and creating unique architectural styles of a townscape that is exceptional inEast and South Asia.
Through the case study of George Town Heritage Celebrations, this presentation detailed
the strategies and approaches of George Town World Heritage Incorporated– the sitemanagers of George Town Historic City–incorporating intangible cultural heritage
safeguarding on world heritage management. Our presentation commences with theintroduction of the George Town Historic City, followed by the elaboration of the George
Town Heritage Celebrations. Held annually in July, the Celebrations is a bottom-up
project organized by GTWHI and participated by more than 40 multi-cultural, multilingual, multi-religious associations and groups from Penang.
We will also be sharing the types of activities, selections of heritage locations,collaboration strategies with the local communities, and the curation of celebration
content during the presentation. We shall end our presentation with our approach toappealing the heritage activities to the younger generation, in particular the youth andthe school children. Such an approach is very important to ensure peaceful coexistence
despite our differences in this melting pot.

5International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11 October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

Traditional Canoes of The Marshall Islands: Sustainable Sea
Transportation of Today

Alson KELEN (Waan Aelõñ in Majel, Marshall Islands) and Takuya NAGAOKA (NGO Pasifika
Renaissance, Japan)

Historically, the mainstay of the traditional fishing and voyaging in the Marshall Islands
is the outrigger canoe. The outrigger canoe represents the ultimate in design adaptation
for inter and intra-lagoon travel and fishing. For thousands of years, the outrigger canoe
has been at the heart of cultural life as well as practical survival for millennia. This is an
exploration of the state and shape of the canoe tradition for Marshallese people today,
how and why it has changed over time, and how it articulates with broader Marshallese
culture and modern way of life. The canoe is analyzed as a means of understanding
broader issues of social change – the nature of modern social change; contemporary
issues of identity; and culture change, loss, and revival. Using a methodology founded
upon the centrality of Marshallese voices, both directly through interviews as wellindirectly through proverbs, legends, and language, a new understanding of the canoe
is explored as a way forward into a future shaped according to the terms and values ofMarshallese people themselves: the canoe as a potential vehicle for purpose, identity,and pride. This program has demonstrated that sustainable economic and culturaldevelopment, self-identity and self-worth strengthening, are not only important tonation building but are essential and achievable. Since its inception, the Waan Aelõñ inMajel Program (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) has always promoted the concept thatsustainable solutions and practices in direct response to climate change especially within
the maritime sector can be found and harnessed within the vast resources and heritageof the Marshallese people. Ri-Majel, the people of the Marshall Islands, have always
been known for their boat building and navigational skills. The Marshallese canoe is oneof the more impressive outrigger canoes in the entire Pacific region.

6International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region (IRCI)

Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities: Perspectives for
Integrated Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(11October 2024, Kyoto, Japan)

Local Community Strategies for Safeguarding
Cultural Landscapes in Kyrgyzstan

Jyldyz DOOLBEKOVA (Taalim-Forum Public Foundation, Kyrgyzstan)

Kyrgyzstan's cultural landscapes are significant both regionally and globally, while facing
increasing threats from rapid globalization and environmental pressures. The
presentation highlights proactive strategies and successful case studies initiated by thelocal visionary community in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region.
The first case study focuses on a cultural practitioner who has enhanced wildlife
stewardship and engaged the younger generation through the revitalization of a
traditional hunting system. This system, along with the accompanying ancient culture,
serves as a living model of coevolution and collaboration among people, hunting birds,
hunting dogs, and horses in mountainous landscapes. The second case highlights awoman-led initiative by the founder of an ethno-village aimed at promoting traditional
felt carpets, which have nearly disappeared from Kyrgyz homes. This initiative seeks toimprove the quality of these carpets and elevate the status of local artisans within theircommunities. Both cases foster the revival and transmission of traditional knowledge,
skills, traditions, and ceremonies, which are crucial cultural components providing Kyrgyz
people with a sense of identity and continuity. Additionally, these strategies
strengthening the self-reliance and resilience of the local community, helping them
adapt and survive in a rapidly changing world.
The presentation will also emphasize how these strategies contribute to theconsolidation of the local community, the development of leadership among women andyouth, become a source for cultural and economic resilience, inspiration, and collectiveresponsibility. Based on traditional ecological knowledge to safeguard cultural andnatural heritage, these approaches effectively address both local and global challenges
and contribute to achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target 11.4. The
strategies contributed to increase of public awareness of the importance of reviving
spiritual and cultural roots and preserving natural heritage at national, regional, andglobal levels.

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