Work Plan for FY 2017
1. Activity Focus and the Overview of Research Projects
Work Plan for FY 2017 is developed under IRCI’s new Medium-term Programme(2016-2020), which was approved at the 4th Governing Board Meeting of IRCI
(25 September 2015). 6 projects are planned for FY 2017: 4 projects under
Activity Focus I, and 2 projects under Activity Focus II (see below, and Figure 1).
While major projects presented here are ongoing (Ia.-Ic., and IIa.) from FY 2016,
2 new projects are proposed (Id. And IIb.).
Activity Focus I: Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
Promote research for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage,
through conducting the following activities regarding the practices andmethodologies of safeguarding, in cooperation with research institutions andresearchers working in the Asia-Pacific region:(i) Instigate research activities and develop the researchers’ community
through international conferences, experts meetings, and publications;(ii) Examine and develop strategies for optimizing the use of research data,
while collecting research information.
(Section III(1), Medium-term Programme 2016-2020)

Ia. <Mapping Project 1> IRCI International Conference on the Convention for
the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural HeritageIb. <Mapping Project 2> Literature Survey on ICH Safeguarding Research in the
Asia-pacific Countries
Ic. <Mapping Project 3> Research Data Collection on ICH Safeguarding in the
Asia-Pacific Region and Optimisation of its Use
Id. IRCI Researchers Forum on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
IRCI has been conducting since FY 2013 a project based on the collection andmapping of research information pertaining to the ICH safeguarding in the AsiaPacific region. This “Mapping Project” aiming at instigating the research for ICH
safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region through analysing current trends andchallenges constitutes the core of IRCI’s research activities. As of FY 2016, theMapping Project has been implemented and managed as the integration of 3 subprojects comprised of international conferences/experts meetings (<Mapping 1>),literature survey (<Mapping 2>), and optimisation of the use of research datawith research database (<Mapping 3>).

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In addition to Mapping Project, another line of activity for instigating andenhancing research is programmed as “Researchers Forum”. While Mapping
Project centers on the identification and the analysis of the general trends ofresearch for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region, Researchers Forum isintended for more academic and inter-disciplinary discussions focusing on specificthemes related to ICH safeguarding, whereby contributing to the enhancement ofresearch and the development of researchers communities.
Activity focus II: Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk
Management
Conduct research on the current status and the cases of the safeguarding ofintangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region that are endangered bydisasters such as natural hazards, as well as research on the role of ICH for
disaster preparedness and in the post-disaster recovery process, inconsideration of UNESCO’s focus in the Medium-Term Strategy (37C/4) on
the response to post-conflict and post-disaster situations (PCPD).
(Section III(2), Medium-term Programme 2016-2020)

IIa. Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding and the Disaster-Risk
Management in the Asia-Pacific Region
IIb. Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia
This focus has been devised in consideration of UNESCO’s concern on post-conflictand post-disaster (PCPD) situations as described in its Medium-term Strategy
2014-2021 (37C/4). It also reflects growing national and international interests on
heritage management in the context of disasters 1. IRCI has already started in FY
2016 a project “Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster-Risk
Management in the Asia-Pacific Region,” which primarily focuses on disasters
triggered by natural hazards.
Following the completion of the project “Study of Legal Systems related to ICH in
the Greater Mekong Region” in FY 2016, IRCI proposes to add a new project“Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia,” tobe implemented in the following 4 years. IRCI’s past project experiences,knowledge, and network in post-conflict countries such as Sri Lanka and TimorLeste could be effectively incorporated into the implementation of this project.

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In Japan, National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH), to which IRCI belongs, set up in
July 2014 National Task Force for the Japanese Cultural Heritage Disaster Mitigation Network(CH-DRM Net).

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Figure 1: Timeline of project activities in Medium-term
Programme (2016-2020)
FY 2016

FY 2017

FY 2018

FY2019FY2020

Activity Focus I
Mapping Studies on the Safeguarding of ICH<Mapping Project 1>
International Experts
Meeting<Mapping Project 1>
International
Conference

Experts Meeting/Conference<Mapping Project 2> Literature Survey on ICH Safeguarding
Research in the Asia-Pacific Countries<Mapping Project 3> Research Data Collection on ICH Safeguarding in the AsiaPacific Region and Optimisation of its Use

Researchers Forum(IRCI-Minpaku
Conference)

Publication of conference papers

Activity Focus II
Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding
and the Disaster-Risk Management in the
Asia-Pacific Region

Pilot project reflecting preliminary research;
International workshop in FY 2018

Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in
Asia

Study of Legal Systems
related to ICH in the
Greater Mekong Region32. Individual Project Outlines

Activity Focus I. Promoting research for ICH safeguarding

Ia. <Mapping Project 1> IRCI International Conference on theConvention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Period of implementation: FY2017
Geographic focus:

Entire Asia-Pacific Region

Mapping Project started in FY 2013, reflecting the suggestions from UNESCO tounderstand the current states of research and challenges for ICH safeguarding in
the Asia-Pacific region. According to the recommendation of the 2014 meeting,
IRCI started a literature survey on ICH safeguarding research in 2015, and theresults have been discussed using a series of meetings (including the international
experts meeting in FY 2016). The aim of the Mapping Project is to expand andstrengthen the network of researchers related to ICH safeguarding in the AsiaPacific Region as well as to enhance and promote research for ICH safeguarding,through mapping information of research related to ICH safeguarding. While<Mapping Projects 2 and 3> focus on systematically collecting information andmaking it available via IRCI’s research database, <Mapping Project 1> is designed
to be a place for intensive discussions and information-sharing on the important
issues related to the research in this field.
The international conference in FY 2017 will be co-organised by IRCI and Center
for Glocal Studies ,Seijo University, Japan under the theme of the interface
between local communities, researchers and the UNESCO Convention – viewed
from Glocal studies. Since UNESCO’s 2003 Convention places high priorities oncommunity’s involvement in ICH safeguarding activities, discussions focusing on
this theme is crucial. It is expected that the discussions related to thecommunities and the Convention progress through the conference, while
directions for the further development of the survey for Mapping Project is
discussed.
Activity details:
The international conference is co-organised by IRCI and Center for Glocal
Studies, Seijo University.
1. Center for Glocal Studies holds a preparatory meeting in FY 2016, to finalise theorganisation and the programme of the conference.
2. The conference is held for 3 days in July 2017, at Seijo University Campusa) The conference is comprised of a series of sessions, focusing on the theme of
the interface between local communities, researchers and the UNESCO
Convention– viewed from Glocal studies.
4b) The literature survey that has been implemented under <Mapping Project 2>
is discussed at one of the sessions.
3. Conference proceedings are published, and edited for future publication.
Specific outputs:
1. Conference Proceedings
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:Tomiyuki Uesugi (Professor, Director, Center for Glocal Studies, Seijo University):
co-organiser and chair
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2a) for the detailed project design.

Activity Focus I. Promoting research for ICH safeguarding

Ib. <Mapping Project 2> Literature Survey on ICH Safeguarding Researchin the Asia-Pacific Countries
Period of implementation:
Geographic focus:

FY2015, FY 2016-FY2018

Entire Asia-Pacific Region

The aim of the Mapping Project is to expand and strengthen the network of
researchers related to ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region as well as toenhance and promote research for ICH safeguarding, and the literature survey
provides the basic information for this purpose by conducting systematic collectionof information on existing literatures, research institutions, and researchers incooperation with research organisations and researchers in the Asia-Pacificcountries.
The literature survey on ICH safeguarding began in FY 2015, according to theresults of the international experts meeting of the Project held in FY 2014 in
Malaysia. The 2015 survey was conducted for 17 countries and provided valuable
research information on ICH safeguarding, which subsequently led to thedevelopment of this 3-year project. Adding the ongoing survey in FY 2016, datacollection covers a total of approximately 30 countries in the Asia Pacific Region.
Project activities in FY 2017-2018 are executed after discussing and developing
new survey guidelines. While countries that are not yet covered in the survey will
be focused, some countries may be re-surveyed depending on the quality ofpreviously obtained results. Methodology of the survey will be reconsidered sothat a more detailed survey can be carried out.
Activity details:
1. Discuss strategies for further data collection at the international conference(<Mapping Project 1>) to be held in July 2017, and revise the survey
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guidelines.
2. Conduct the survey according to the revised guidelines.
a) The survey on existing literatures related to ICH safeguarding research, andinformation on research institutions and researchers is carried out, principallyin collaboration with local research institutions/researchers by signing
contracts. However, alternative methodologies for collecting data areconsidered for effectively obtaining the required information.
b) The survey is carried out for at least 10 countries.
c) Analyse concepts, practices and methodologies for ICH safeguarding by
country.
d) Each researcher under contract drafts a survey summary paper, and provide
literature annotations following the format developed by IRCI.
Specific outputs:
1. Country reports (which will be compiled and edited in preparation for
publication in the final year of the project)
2. Literature annotation sheets (which include literature information written inlocal languages with English summaries)
3. Collected information is made available through IRCI’s research database
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:
Researchers in the field of ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
Research organisations and museums in the Asia-Pacific Region
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2b) for the detailed project design.

Activity Focus I. Promoting research for ICH safeguarding

Ic. ＜Mapping Project 3＞Research Data Collection on ICH Safeguarding in
the Asia-Pacific Region and Optimisation of its Use
Period of implementation: FY2015, FY2016-FY2019
Geographic focus:

Entire Asia-Pacific Region

The aim of the Mapping Project is to expand and strengthen the network of
researchers related to ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region as well as toenhance and promote research for ICH safeguarding. This is done by systematicand functional management of information related to the research for ICH
safeguarding with IRCI’s research database.
“Research Database on ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region” launched in
September 2014 as a by-product of the Mapping Project currently possesses
approximately 1300 entries (as of March 2016). New entries have been added
every year, reflecting the output of the literature survey (<Mapping Project 2>).
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While providing useful information, IRCI also aims to review and refine thefunctions of database for facilitating more effective utilisation.
Activity details:
1. Add to IRCI’s research database the new information found in the FY 2017
literature survey.
2. In order to make use of the information in the Research Database on ICH
safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region in the more effective and suitable way,
ask the database users (literature surveyors, etc.) to share their opinions anddemands for improving usability, and then analyse these findings.
Specific outputs:
1. Increased amount of information on research database
2. Database users’ feedback regarding its usability
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:
Undecided
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2c) for the detailed project design.

Activity Focus I. Promoting research for ICH safeguarding

Id. IRCI Researchers Forum on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-PacificRegionPeriod of implementation: FY2017
Geographic focus: Entire Asia-Pacific Region
In research related to the safeguarding of ICH in the Asia Pacific region,
productive and practical discussions are not well advanced due to the limited
interaction and communication among researchers. Aiming to create a place foracademic discussions on research for ICH safeguarding, and to strengthen a
network of researchers through these discussions, IRCI holds in FY 2017 a
researchers forum on ICH safeguarding in the Asia Pacific Region in cooperation
with National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) in Japan. Focusing on the casestudies on the role of recordings for ICH safeguarding, researchers forum aims todeliver professional, inter-disciplinary discussions on theories and practicalmethodologies for ICH safeguarding, while encouraging practical cooperation andinteraction among researchers to strengthen the foundation for ICH safeguarding
research. It is expected that the discussions regarding the recordings areenhanced for effective ICH safeguarding.
Activity details:
The international researchers forum is co-organised by IRCI and the National
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Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku).
1. Set up the planning committee to organise the forum.
a) The planning committee is responsible for the organisation and theprogramme of the forum, and is comprised of IRCI research staff and Minpaku
researchers.
b) The forum is comprised of a series of sessions focusing on the case studies
on the role of recordings for ICH safeguarding.
2. Hold the forum for 3 days in November 2017, at the National Museum of
Ethnology (its link with the museum’s 40th anniversary project is considered).
3. Publish conference proceedings.
Specific outputs:
1. Conference proceedings
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:
National Museum of Ethnology
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2d) for the detailed project design.

Activity Focus II. Research on ICH and the Disaster Risk Management

IIa. Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding and the Disaster-Risk
Management in the Asia-Pacific Region
Period of implementation: FY 2016-2017
Geographic focus: Asia-Pacific (with field surveys focusing on selected countries
with higher disaster-risks)
Natural disasters are one of the factors threatening the viability of ICH. Since Asiapacific countries are frequently exposed to increasing numbers of natural hazards,
assuring the safeguarding of ICH in the context of disaster-risk management(DRM) is a pressing issue. However, major efforts are centred on theprotection/rescue of tangible elements and practical strategies for safeguarding
ICH are not fully examined. As a preparatory phase to investigate this new
subject, this 2-year project aims to collect the basic information on the actual
impacts of natural disasters on ICH, as well as cases in which ICH played certain
roles in disaster-mitigation/response. Further project plans are developed basedon the results of the activities in the first 2 years.
In FY 2016, IRCI visits Bangladesh, Fiji, Myanmar, Philippines, Vanuatu, andVietnam for collecting basic information through interviewing researchers andspecialists in DRM and ICH, on the current situation of DRM activities and ICH
safeguarding in this context, while establishing cooperative ties with key
researchers and institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Working group sessions are8also programmed for obtaining inputs from DRM specialists. For effectively
implementing the project, IRCI is in cooperation with National Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo.
Activity details:
1. Depending on the feasibility of the 2016 reconnaissance in Asia-Pacificcountries, further field survey is conducted for collecting information throughvisiting disaster-affected areas and interviewing local people and ICH
practitioners.
2. Hold constant meetings with National Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo,
for effective cooperation on the project activities.
3. Hold working group sessions inviting external researchers for discussing ICH
safeguarding in the context of DRM.
4. Develop further project plans from FY 2018.
Specific outputs:
1. Project summary report, including project plans for FY 2018 onwards
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:
National Institutes for Cultural Properties, Tokyo (project partner)
Selected institutions and researchers in the Asia-Pacific region (focal points andcollaborators)
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2e) for the detailed project design.

Activity Focus II. Research on ICH and the Disaster Risk Management

IIb. A Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries
in Asia
Period of implementation: FY 2017-2020
Geographic focus: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste
In countries affected by severe conflict such as Afghanistan, many internationalorganisations including UNESCO are calling for the urgent need to safeguard
cultural heritage. However, professional research and supports are mainly for
tangible cultural heritage and not much has been done so far for ICH. Underlying
this are various factors such as the change in the government involved in thedrafting of the legislation, the higher interest in the recovery of tangible cultural
heritage as symbolised by Bamiyan, and the insufficient involvement of ICH
professionals. As a result, the actual situation of ICH after the war - what kinds of
ICH elements are inherited (or disappeared), where, and in what form – remains
largely unknown. It is also acknowledged that the post-conflict situations are theprolonged process of instability, which may necessitate the consideration of certain
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protection measures under ongoing conflict.
This project, targeting selected countries in Asia that were affected by conflict,investigates the actual situation of ICH including internal and external factors

threatening ICH, and identifies major challenges 2. It is expected that the projectcontributes to the enhancement of practical research related to the various
measures for emergency protection of ICH in conflict-affected countries, while
encouraging positive discussions on the urgent safeguarding list of the Convention
and practical safeguarding plans required for the inscription. While long-term
project plans are yet to be developed, activities in FY 2017 focus on collecting thebasic information. After examining the current situations, further project activities
focusing on specific measures are planned in consideration of country-specificconditions and priorities.
Activity details:
1. Conduct research on the current situation of ICH in conflict-affected countries,
through questionnaires, interviews, and archival surveys. Project partners are
identified in this process.
2. Set up an international working group for comprehensive analysis, and discussand propose guidelines for further research activities and specific measures tobe focused reflecting the country-by-country priorities.
3. Conduct further data collection in selected countries through field research, orby inviting relevant local individuals for discussions in Japan or elsewhere.
4. (In FY 2018) Determine specific themes/focuses of research for 2 countries
based on the results of the 1st year, and execute practical research activities forurgent protection of ICH (as a 2-year project).
Specific outputs:
1. Detailed project plan from FY 2018
Project partners/cooperating researchers and organisations:
UNESCO Kabul Office (for Afghanistan), New Delhi Office (for Sri Lanka) andJakarta Office (for Timor-Leste)
See attached PDM (IRCI/2016/5GB/7/Annex 2f) for the detailed project design.

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For this particular project, IRCI intentionally use the term ‘protection’ instead of‘safeguarding,’ to emphasise the necessity of the very basic measures for rescuing existing ICH,
before implementing measures for effective ‘safeguarding.’10****************************************************************** The following project is also in consideration as a small project to be added tothe proposed work plan. However, IRCI is still in the process of seeking externalfunding sources for the project. For this reason, this project is currently excluded
from the proposed Work Plan for FY 2017. IRCI seeks the approval of theGoverning Board separately at the later stage with appropriate documents
including PDM, when the budget is secured for the implementation of the project.
Project title: The New Role of Museums for ICH Safeguarding
Brief description: There are not enough discussions or case studies conductedon the roles “museums“ play or can play in safeguarding endangered ICH. In
Japan and in various regions worldwide the role and situations surrounding
museums are diversified, and community museums that form the centre oftransmission of ICH such as craftsmanship and performing arts are also
emerging. This study examines what role museums can play in safeguarding
ICH and related problems, by sharing and examining the latest case studies andspecific cases in the Asia-Pacific region through workshops. As preparation,
information collection and network formation will be carried out. Meetings for
examining case studies will be conducted in FY2017-2018, which will beconcluded with final discussions at the ICOM Kyoto Meeting in 2019.
*****************************************************************

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3. Cooperation with Sakai City

In accordance with its Medium-term Programme (2016-2020), and within theframework of its mandate as specified in Article 4 of the Agreement between
UNESCO and the Government of Japan, IRCI has been contributing to the projects
carried out by Sakai City for promoting ICH to the general public.
In FY 2017, IRCI will collaborate with Sakai City on “The Tokyo Symposium 2017
on Cultural Heritage” with possible partnership with National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage, Japan (NICH).
Following the past two years, IRCI provides an updated panel display introducing
the IRCI activities for ICH safeguarding. This activity will not only raise the publicawareness of the importance of the ICH but also promote the visibility of IRCI tothe large public in Tokyo.

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