Source: http://thelegallyinclined.blogspot.com/2009/07/intangible-cultural-heritage-convention.html
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The Legally Inclined Blog: Intangible Cultural Heritage (Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Intangible Cultural Heritage (Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage)
In world where most parts are rapidly modernizing, where diversity finds less and less room in the mainstream, and where indigenous culture is at risk of being marginalized, it is important to acknowledge, respect, uphold, and protect cultural diversity.
It is in respecting cultural diversity that we respect each other’s differences, learn from each other’s origins and perspectives as well as foster mutual understanding.
For such purpose, the UNESCO finally came up with the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in November 2003[1] after more than a decade of preparations. The Convention has 2 protected lists: the 1) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the 2) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Although the first inscription to the 2 lists is scheduled for September 2009, in November 2008 and pursuant to Art. 31 of the Convention, UNESCO incorporated into the Representative List 90 items they’ve previously proclaimed ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’[2] pursuant to the November 1997 UNESCO programme of the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity[3].
The proclamation programme was a short term measure to protect intangible cultural heritage. The programme ended when the Convention entered into force on April 20, 2006.
Of the 90 elements already in the list, 2 reflect Philippine indigenous culture, namely,
1) The Darangen Epic of the Maranao People of Lake Lanao “celebrates episodes from Maranao history and the tribulations of mythical heroes … explores the underlying themes of life and death, courtship, love and politics through symbol, metaphor, irony and satire … [and] encodes customary law, standards of social and ethical behaviour, notions of aesthetic beauty, and social values”[4]; and
2) The Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao which “tell about ancestral heroes, customary law, religious beliefs and traditional practices, and reflects the importance of rice cultivation.”[5]
Indonesia’s Wayang Puppet Theatre, Japan’s Kabuki Theatre, and Turkey’s Mevlevi Sema Ceremony (famous for their whirling dervishes) are also among the 90. You can check out all 90 elements from UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage Lists page.
Now how are these cultural elements determined and inscribed? Well, read on.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
First of all, we need to define ICH. Under Art. 2.1 of the Convention, these are: “the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.”
And “consideration will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development.” So, it’s unlikely any cannibalistic culture will be protected.
Now, let’s see how a piece of culture can get on either of the 2 lists.
Under Par. 19 of the Operational Directives, each element must meet all the following criteria for inscription[6]:
The element constitutes ICH as defined in Article 2 of the Convention.
Inscription will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the ICH and to encouraging dialogue, thus reflecting cultural diversity worldwide and testifying to human creativity
The element has been nominated following the widest possible participation of the community/group/individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent.
The element is included in an inventory of the ICH present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Art. 11 and 12 of the Convention.
In connection with criterion 5 above, Art. 11 obligates each state to: a) take the necessary measures to ensure the safeguarding of the ICH present in its territory; and b) identify and define the various elements of the ICH present in its territory, with the participation of communities, groups and relevant NGOs.
Art. 12, on the other hand, obligates each state to make inventories 1) of the ICH present in its territory to ensure identification with a view to safeguarding the elements, which inventories are to be regularly updated; and 2) shall provide relevant information on such inventories during its periodic reports to UNESCO as required under Art. 29.
Under Par. 1 of the Operational Directives (almost the same requirements for getting on the Representative List), each element must meet all of the following:
a. The element is in urgent need of safeguarding because its viability is at risk despite the efforts of the community/group/individuals and State(s) Party(ies) concerned; or
b. The element is in extremely urgent need of safeguarding because it is facing grave threats as a result of which it cannot be expected to survive without immediate safeguarding.
Safeguarding measures are elaborated that may enable the community/group/individuals concerned to continue the practice and transmission of the element.
The element is included in an inventory of ICH present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention. (See Art 11 and 12 in relation to the Representative List above)
In cases of extreme urgency, the State(s) Party(ies) concerned has (have) been duly consulted regarding inscription of the element in conformity with Article 17.3. This means the element need not be nominated by the State Party – the General Assembly can inscribe on its own - but the State Party must still be consulted about the inscription.
Back in July 2008, we discussed the UNESCO World Heritage List to further people’s awareness of the World Heritage sites.
We hope to help people’s awareness of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and support UNESCO’s drive to acknowledge and preserve the different cultures of the world and the different forms they are expressed.
[1] Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (adopted 17 October 2003, entered into force 20 April 2006).
[2] List of the 90 Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity proclaimed by UNESCO. Retrieved June 18, 2009, from United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization Web site: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf
[3] Proclamation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Retrieved June 18, 2009, from United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization Web site: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=EN&pg=00103
[4] The Darangen Epic of the Maranao People of Lake Lanao. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization Web site: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?RL=68
[5] The Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization Web site: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?RL=67
[6] Operational Directives For The Implementation Of The Convention For The Safeguarding Of The Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved June 18, 2009, from United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization Web site: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/doc/src/00410-EN.pdf
Posted by The Legally Inclined at 7/05/2009 09:02:00 AM
Labels: Daragen Epic of Lake Lanao, Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Representative List, Urgent Safeguarding List