IRCI 2014 GBM
Work plan for FY 2015

1. Activity Focus
The Medium-term programme (2013-2015) approved at the 2nd Governing
Board Meeting on 21 October, 2013 specifies the following activity focuses:
1) Mapping Studies on the Safeguarding of ICH
2) Research for the Safeguarding of Endangered ICH
In FY 2015, five research projects are planned. Two new projects succeeding
the current “Mapping Research” are proposed as activities in Focus 1. Three projects
in Activity Focus 2 will be continued from FY 2013.
In anticipation of a new Medium-term programme (2016-2020) which will besubmitted for consideration at the 4th IRCI Governing Board in 2015, the above
projects are proposed for FY 2015, in a wider context of future Medium-term
programme in its anticipated form.
In the wider programme, the new focuses will consist, subject to its approvalin 2015 by the Governing Board, ofI.

Project for Enhancing Research and Researchers Community in thefield of ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
I.1
International Researchers Forum on ICH Safeguarding in the
Asia-Pacific Region (Organization of annual or biennial Forum)
I.2
Periodical Publication of Scientific Journal specialized in ICH
Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region (publication of biennial or triennial
scientific journal)
I.3
Mapping of existing research and researchers on ICH Safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific Region (Continued effort for collect and optimization ofthe use of data by researchers and ICH community, in close collaboration
with sister C2 centers)

II.

Research for Safeguarding of Endangered ICH
Research on specific cases of safeguarding efforts in different sub-regions,
and/or on specific elements of safeguarding such as legal systems,
documentation, revitalization of community

2. New Research Projects2.1. Mapping Studies on the Safeguarding of ICH
2.1.1 <Mapping Project 1> International Forum on ICH Safeguarding in the
Asia-Pacific Region (corresponding to I.1 and I.2)
Information of research activities pertaining to the safeguarding of ICH in the
Asia-Pacific region is not effectively shared among ICH experts, which is limiting thedevelopment of productive discussions. This international forum aims to provide acommonplace for discussion for those researchers with different academic
backgrounds and research. It also aims to instigate research activities for ICH
safeguarding by fostering the development of mutual relationship among a plurality of

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ICH researchers.
With a view to preparing the ground for IRCI to embark in the following years
in periodical publication of the scientific journal specialized in ICH Safeguarding,necessary analysis will be conducted on the needs and prerequisite conditions as partof the project.
Project period: FY 2015
Activity details:
1) Organize an international forum on specific topics related to ICH safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific region.
2) Publish papers presented at the forum.
3) Discuss and prepare for the future periodical publication of scientific journal
specialized in ICH safeguarding
See attached PDM (Annex 2) for the detailed project design.
2.1.2 <Mapping Project 2> Research Data Collection on ICH Safeguarding in
the Asia-Pacific Region and Optimization of its Use (corresponding to I.3)
Systematic information on researches related to ICH safeguarding in theAsia-Pacific region is still limited and is not effectively shared among ICH experts. This
database development aims to create a common platform for enhancing information
sharing among ICH experts and institutions that are working for ICH safeguarding in
the Asia-Pacific region, by strengthening the current database created by IRCI.
Project period: FY 2015 - FY 2017
Activity details:1) Collect information related to ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region, suchas research papers and reports, institutions and researchers.
2) Expand and strengthen database functions, (a) by adding more entries
collected in above activities, and (b) by collaborating with IT specialists (withadditional external funds).
3) Hold constant review sessions every 4 months, for assuring effective datacollection and optimization.
4) Release the refined database on IRCI webpage to be utilized by related
institutions and experts.
See attached PDM (Annex 2) for the detailed project design.

3. Ongoing projects
The following three projects in Activity Focus 2 “Research for theSafeguarding of Endangered ICH” will be continued into FY 2015. These projects wereapproved at the 2nd Governing Board Meeting on 21 October, 2013, to be
implemented within the framework of IRCI’s medium-term programme (2013-2015).
3.1. A project with amendment
3.1.1. Study of Legal Systems related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in theGreater Mekong Region
Project period: FY 2013 – FY 2016
The project design has been revised to extend the focus to other countries in
the Mekong region such as Viet Nam and Thailand, on top of Cambodia, Laos andMyanmar. With a new team leader and his strong leadership, more thoroughcomparative studies will be conducted. Specific activities are revised as follows:1) Legal experts conduct the review of existing legal systems to safeguard ICH,
which include laws and regulations as well as other mechanisms andarrangements in the Mekong countries.

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2) Hold a workshop/seminar, inviting legal experts/government officials, without
excluding other stakeholders, to examine current conditions of the above
mentioned legal systems related to ICH in the Mekong region.
3) Draft the final report including the result of workshop and recommendations.
4) Discuss possibilities of developing further programmes based onrecommendations.
See attached PDM (Annex 2) for the detailed project design.
3.2. Other ongoing projects
These projects are making a constant progress to be completed in FY 2015.
3.2.1. Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Post-Conflict States (Sri Lanka)
Project period: FY 2013 – FY 2015 (final year of the 3-year project)
Activity details:
1) Extend research and traditional handicrafts data collection in northern,
north-eastern, and eastern provinces in collaboration with Craft Revival Trust.
2) Conduct archival research on good practices of craft revitalization in othercountries, for formulating action plans in cooperation with international experts.
3) Deliver the project report including the list of endangered traditional
handicrafts and recommendations for further programmes for revitalising
traditional handicrafts in the post-conflict situation.
3.2.2. Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Verge of Extinction:
Vietnamese ICH Element Dong Ho Woodblock Printing
Project period: FY 2013 – FY 2015 (final year of the 3-year project)
Activity details:
1) Hold a workshop in collaboration with VICAS, inviting practitioners, researchersand government officials to collect further information on the risk factors ontransmitting ICH and to discuss the methodology for sustainable safeguarding inthe community.
2) Researchers interview villagers to investigate the causes of the currentendangered situation.
3) Publish the final report to present the researchers’ papers as outcomes of thethree-year research project. It is expected that the Dong Ho woodblock printing
provides a methodology for implementing community-based safeguarding ofendangered ICH.

4. Cooperation with Sakai City
4.1. A symposium on the integrated approaches for safeguarding tangible andintangible cultural heritage
IRCI will cooperate with Sakai City who will organise the symposium in May
2015.
Theme: integrated approaches for safeguarding tangible and intangible culturalheritage
Date: late May, 2015
Venue: TBD (Tokyo)
Organiser: Sakai City, National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (to be confirmed)
Cooperating Body: IRCI (to be confirmed)