Exchanging ountries’ Experiences Concerning the ... · 5 1. Background Under the main priorities for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Nepal, several capacity-building

2017 Intangible Cultural Heritage Sub-Regional Network Meeting in South Asia:

Exchanging Countries’ Experiences Concerning the

Implementation of the 2003 Convention

16-17 August 2017

Lalitpur, Nepal

Jointly organized by the

UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO and

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Background .............................................................................................................. 5

2. Meeting Overview .................................................................................................... 6

3. Moving Forward: Recommended Action ................................................................ 12

4. Papers ................................................................................................................... 18

4.1 Country Reports ................................................................................................ 18

4.2 Expert Report .................................................................................................... 54

4.3 Presentations ................................................................................................... 61

5. Annex ................................................................................................................... 209

Annex I: List of Participants .................................................................................. 209

Annex II: Meeting Programme ............................................................................. 220

Annex III: Short Biographies.................................................................................. 225

Annex IV: Speeches .............................................................................................. 228

Annex V: Visibility Materials ................................................................................. 243

Annex VI: Photos .................................................................................................. 273

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1. Background

Under the main priorities for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Nepal, several capacity-building activities in the framework of the 2003 Convention have been implemented in Nepal since 2012. As desired by the Government of Nepal to plan a South Asia level sub-regional networking meeting to exchange information and lessons learned towards the implementation of the 2003 Convention in a meeting with ICHCAP in Kathmandu in July 2016 the event has been organized in August 16-17, 2017 with the financial support from ICHCAP.

Nepal, as well as other countries in the region - Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, share diverse living cultures. These countries share similar conditions due to a lack of resources and a limited trained national capacity in the field of safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage. However, in light of rapid development, the threat of natural disasters and increasingly globalized societies, these systems are jeopardized; with a greater risk of losing the lesser known aspects of ICH.

In this context, the main objective of the meeting focused on sharing experiences along the countries’ processes of safeguarding and inventorying ICH, as well as the lessons learnt and the measures taken. This strategy proposes to foster international collaboration between networks of experts and governments to enable the effective implementation of the Convention by national governments. The exchange of courses of action undertaken at the national and local level and their effective practice will also encourage countries to work towards the same goals supporting and inspiring each other.

Nepal, in particular, needs a legal framework which supports and nurtures the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage at both national and local levels, as well as preparing a clear inventory of its intangible heritage. The meeting helped Nepal in envisioning its own approach to create an inventory of intangible cultural heritage; an essential step for future nominations of the rich intangible culture the country has.

Five countries from the region were represented in the meeting - Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and (see Annex I for the list of participants). The meeting lasted for two days and was facilitated by three experts from the region, as well as two local experts and a colleague from UNESCO Office in Bangkok.

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OVERALL GOAL

To foster international collaboration, build and strengthen international and regional networks of experts and government stakeholders for the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention in South Asia.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the meeting are:

ᆞ Exchange knowledge, good practices and lessons learnt on policy, countries’ processes concerning

inventory-making, preparing nominations to the UNESCO ICH lists and safeguarding measures

undertaken;

ᆞ Discuss the modalities of future networking to exchange information and knowledge concerning the

safeguarding of ICH;

ᆞ Develop action plans for future national and sub-regional collaborative work for ICH safeguarding in

South Asia.

2. Meeting Overview

Day 1: Wednesday, 16 August

OPENING SESSION

The inauguration was chaired by Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint- Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal. Nipuna Shrestha (UNESCO Office in Kathmandu) offered opening remarks, welcoming all and highlighting the need to improve the social and culture wellbeing of communities, and for sustainable development. She stressed the cases of success and the need to look after intangible cultural heritage. Dr Seong-Yong Park (Assistant Director-General of ICHCAP) recalled the previous meetings including the 2015 Intangible Cultural Heritage Symposium in Bhutan, and the 2016 meeting in Goa, India. He stated the meeting’s purpose to strengthen cooperation between South-Asian states in order to achieve and safeguard their goals, and addressed the challenges in developing and applying safeguarding measures and the opportunities to foster and share experiences. He wished to devise plans and strategies for ICH safeguarding and to develop regional cooperation.

Ms Doung Bich Hanh (Chief, Culture Unit, UNESCO Office in Bangkok) highlighted that we can safeguard heritage for generations to come. The remarks from Shankar Prasad Adhikari (Secretary, Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation) focused on the work to safeguard ICH and prepare ICH elements to nominate for the Representative List of ICH. Bharat Mani Subedi (Joint-Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation) highlighted the success of previous workshops and that Nepal’s culture is very diverse, and it is difficult to capture all aspects of ICH.

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SESSION I: Policy, Legal and Institutional Situation in South Asia: Approaches and challenges of safeguarding the ICH at National Level

Ms Duong Bich Hanh stated that ICH is something living and that the role of the communities is highlighted during the implementation of the Convention. It provides the community with a sense of identity and strengthens their community.

UNESCO has related Conventions, including:

1. The Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage 2. The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 3. The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression

ICH elements change over time. There is diversity of cultural expression – culture as a product – activities, goods and services, economic values. Objectives of the Convention include: to safeguard, respect, create awareness and offer assistance.

She also noted that the ICH elements on the List of Urgent Safeguarding is something that the country sees the elements are on the verge of extinctions and that need a lot of attention specially from the international community. This is one of the measures the Convention creates so that the viability of the element could be ensured. State parties may request financial assistance, and few requests have been received so far. Importantly, the fund is only for member states to access.

Dr Yonten Dargye, Head of the Research Division of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Bhutan (during the Bhutan presentation) pointed out that Bhutan’s ratification of UNESCO ICH Convention was in 2005. Even though Bhutan considers culture as very important, but it does not have a policy as such. It is included in the overall national development, and Bhutan is pledged to create a legal framework. For recognizing the legal framework, extensive meetings with different stakeholders have been organized. The country has created the cultural heritage sites bill in 2015. However there is an instruction to merge the bill as the government doesn’t want a large number of bills for one sector. The cultural heritage bill has been drafted and submitted to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. He noted that Bhutan is in need of a bill and they hope it will come soon to conduct the cultural heritage safeguarding as planned.

Mr Ibrahim Mujah, Head of the Heritage Section of the Department of Heritage and Education, Maldives introduced the Maldives archipelago of around 1190 islands, where only 200 islands are inhabited, and that Maldivian people display a mix of features resembling African, Arabian and South Asian people, and indeed a mix of cultures. The country experienced a change of religion form Buddhism to Islam, and from monarchy to democracy. Many traditions that have formed what we know today from these transitions. Multiple cultural practices can be observed, including: performing arts, oral literature, seafaring culture and diverse cuisine. It is evident that more research is required to document the cultural history of the Maldives before it disappears, and create an inventory of ICH. The ICH Committee has proceeded to create a national ICH inventory based on documentations. The main challenges faced in safeguarding ICH are: separation by sea, lack of regulations and laws, and limited technical experience. The country counts on laws relating to sites and property in antique and archaeological and historical value. The Decentralization Act provides all the islands to manage culture and historical activities. In light of the workshop conducted by UNESCO in 2016, the Department is working towards the goal of implementing the national ICH inventory.

Ms Ritu Sethi (ICH Expert, India) provides a brief summary of India’s situation. As there were not any Indian government representatives, she speaks under her own expertise and on her own behalf. ICH in India counts on multiple programmes, scholarships and facilities. There are broadly 3 institutions and 5 domains of ICH. India is a vast country, and the Ministry of Women and Children and various other ministries are interested in working towards ICH policies. Regarding the second aspect of ICH, while it works in schools etc. NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training): develops curriculums for schools etc. and has a

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subject for craft. Unfortunately very few schools have opted for this, and very few textbooks have been created. Yoga was submitted and approved for the nomination on the List and more ICH aspects are pending.

Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint - Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, shared that Nepal ratified the Convention in 2010. Before the Convention, there was no separate culture policy. The National Cultural Policy was formulated in 2010. However, different policies were working towards the safeguarding of ICH. To talk specifically about the legal provision, the present Constitution of Nepal, which was promulgated two years back, is progressive in terms of ICH. Other instrument are Ancient Monument Preservation, Copyright Act etc. The Government created development trusts, example, Lumbini Development Trust. Institutional arrangements were created and the government and local groups are cooperating together to work towards safeguarding ICH. After ratification of the Convention in 2010, a new cultural policy was introduced - it is under the modification stage. He noted that at the moment Nepal is in state of transition, and institutional arrangements have to be done. Although it is very difficult, after 1 or 2 years it will be managed. The priority of cultural heritage at the moment is very low for the government as they are more focused on big infrastructure projects after the earthquake. More than 123 languages are spoken in Nepal that is another difficulty for management, together with financial and human resources.

Mr Nazir Ahmad (Pakistan) shared that Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is working to promote visual and performing arts, with the first national art gallery, as well as the National ICH Archive project. Nazir highlighted who is who with a catalogue, and post-devolution scenario. There is limited of capacity and insufficient sources. Effective coordination between federal and provincial governments is needed. There is no safeguarding plan at the moment. The communities are the creator and owner of heritage. He invited the countries to work on multinational nominations. The goal can be achieved in collaboration with communities.

Mr Walimunige Sunil, Director-General, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Sri Lanka explained that the Ministry of Culture and Arts has developed various policies. The national committee was started by the National Library of Sri Lanka.

Panel Discussion I. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future directions from policy, legal and institutional perspective

The first panel discussion was moderated by Mr Danister Perera (Expert, Sri Lanka). Mr Bhim Nepal (Expert, Nepal) played a role as a rapporteur. The main issues raised refer to the lack of resources, lack of independent ICH policy, low priority given to ICH sector, intellectual property rights and the lack of coordination among the stakeholders. Other questions addressed issues regarding the necessity to treat ICH as a separate subject, and having guidelines. Mr Nazir Ahmad, the Pakistani delegate, stated to have a government giving priority is easier said than done. One reason they haven’t been successful is that they don’t have evidence on how culture and ICH can contribute to the work that those sectors are doing. How they contribute to economy etc. is a matter of interest and courage to create awareness. There was a concern on ICH ownership or cross-border ICH similarities. But the reply from different colleagues of UNESCO in Kathmandu and Bangkok, together with the experts, was that ICH does not rely on ownership but on practice, as multiple countries can have the same ICH. The ownership however is always with the community, but when several countries share the same ICH is not a matter of ownership of one specific country, as culture is diverse and can be performed in different communities. Finally some comments were made noting that there should be one policy for ICH, and that practitioners should have more assurance for their rights – particular if the market is more commercial. The negative impact of media sometimes does not help in this regard.

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DAY 2: Thursday 17 August

Session II. Sharing experiences: Inventorying the ICH, information system and lessons learnt

Ms Shubha Chaudhuri (Expert, India), presented the keynote on ICH in the spirit of the 2003 Convention. Dealing with community-based inventorying is required under the Convention to reinforce the sense of identity and community. The Convention does not specify it being exact, and if the state party accepts the inventory then this is sufficient. It will always be a work in progress. For the inventory you may extend the scope of what is considered ICH. Some parties used classification systems, others do not and there is no need for hierarchies. Shubha reinforced the idea that there are no clear instructions as to how should such inventory be. She highlighted that community participation is vital and regular community feedback is needed during the inventory process. Dr Yonten Dargye, presented the ICH transmission methods for Bhutan. Measures being taken are: policies bills and regulations, carrying out written documentation, organizations involved in the ICH documentation. ICHCAP supported the project, which resulted in the publication of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bhutan’ in 2015. The research project included the documentation of festivals, and ICH elements. The urgent need to safeguard ICH in Bhutan at the moment is hindered by lack of laws, lack of skilled human resources, lack of relevant divisions/departments, the need of more resources and lack of collaboration. Mr Bharat Mani Subedi listed the activities carried out by the Ministry of Culture in Nepal. The National Culture Policy (2010) includes festivals, languages and dialects, protection of indigenous culture etc. The challenges addressed were: sustainable management of ICH, inadequate government funds, impact of globalization, national integration through cultural identity and very diverse cultural communities. Mr Nazir Ahmad listed Pakistan’s challenges as hesitation of communities, provincial ownership, lack of capacity, lack of awareness, lack of workshops on inventorying ICH, and very diverse ICH. The way started in Pakistan with a basic text of the 2003 Convention being translated into the national language of Urdu. Training workshops have been planned for communities in collaboration with UNESCO and the first workshop is being arranged in southern Punjab in the second quarter of this year. Mr W. Sunil, explained that the Ministry of Culture and Arts in Sri Lanka jointly organized 3 workshops for capacity-building for the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention, all funded by UNESCO New Delhi and the Japanese Funds-In-rust. There is a plan for making an inventory based on cultural centers in Sri Lanka. The National Library can act as the focal point. Panel Discussion II. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future directions on ICH inventorying in the spirit of the 2003 Convention and managing information at national level.

With Dr Seong-Yong Park as the moderator and Ms Ritu Sethi as the rapporteur, the panel discussion started with Mr Jin-Jo Yang’s presentation on the Status of Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage Act and inventory-making. From 1962, the Korean government has conducted safeguarding projects at the government level – recently they could revise their existing act so they could come up with a new ICH act. In 1962 the Cultural Protection Heritage Act was established and a certification system was established. In 2013 National ICH was established. During the discussion among the panel members several different issues came up. Mr Nazir Ahmad highlighted that national ICH holder groups are required for successive training – they have to perform training, all bearers of ICH have to conduct training, and that it’s not really a matter of agreement or disagreement. New approaches to Policy and Administration were requested and sometimes the inventory-making could be a never-ending process.

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The Korean government has set a good example through the ICH Convention that has been the precedent for the whole session. Inventories can be changed and modified just like the living heritages they represent. It’s a road map. Session III. Sharing experiences: Towards the nomination, safeguarding and periodic reporting

Ms Ritu Sethi opened the session on sharing experiences, good nomination process and guidance. Some of the key concepts that were mentioned as relevant for nomination and safeguarding were: the community is lying at the fore – they are the bearers of heritage, culture is living and evolving, safeguarding as a measure of ICH, continuing the transfer of knowledge for future generations. Ritu explained that consideration will be given solely to such ICH as is compatible to human rights and of sustainable development – there lies the key to a good nomination and safeguarding process. Strengthening the knowledge and skill of practicing communities and moving to the aspect of safeguarding measures, she emphasized that the elements may need some form of safeguarding in the nomination – how the safeguarding will seek to maintain and strengthen its condition. There is a need to be part of the longer safeguarding process of the measures planned. The nomination now clearly integrates the requirements such as economically sustainable practices, environmental sustainability including economic development, peace and security. She expressed that the basic technical requirements of the nomination are the provision of documentary evidence. Nomination to the List is the start of the process, community involvement needs to be at center of nomination, involving younger generations. Dr Yonten Dhargye from Bhutan noted that since Bhutan has no nomination proposal at the moment there is nothing else to share. But one month ago India proposed Bhutan to nominate Sowa Rigpa (traditional medicine). Mr Nazir Ahmad expressed the duty and responsibility of authorities to safeguard ICH. The key concept of free prior and informed consent was a primary framework under which the work has to be carried out. Local schoolteachers were also involved in the documentation and the procedure for submission of files. UNESCO has asked to include communities, groups and individuals practicing this element in ICH inventory, the consent of all the community members and the commitment to remove the deficiencies by September 30 2017. Mr W. Sunil, explained that there are 2 main elements that exist in ICH in Sri Lanka. He highlighted example of traditional string puppets drama and the traditional martial arts, sharing a video of both. Mr Bhim Nepal, presented on behalf of Bharat Mani Subedi, addressed that nomination has not been submitted by Nepal. The Ministry of Culture assists for ICH safeguarding and communities themselves are also involved in safeguarding as well. Various semi-government agencies are also involved and line agencies of the government are conducting safeguarding activities. They are at the moment preparing the periodic report. Ms Duong Bich Hanh highlighted that the Lists of the Convention on Urgent Safeguarding is not a form of punishment – it is a tool. All the procedure and guidelines can be found on the website - the criteria, the Lists of the Convention, Urgent Safeguarding List and the Register of Good Practices.

Panel Discussion III. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future directions on nominations,

safeguarding and periodic reporting

The final panel discussion had Ms Duong Bich Hanh, Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Office in Bangkok as the moderator. The issues raised and discussed were focused on institutional

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development, operational support and regional cooperation. The necessity of having an ICH body – dealing with only ICH was also raised. The debate centered on the need for a legal body for ICH. Hanh highlighted that there is a lot of overlaps when look at the ICH institutions.. During the discussion for a draft action plan and the way forward, a request was made if the action plan is not legally binding to have a format where delegates can identify the issues and have some activities and future collaborations. The experts listed the issues for further elaboration (see section 3. Moving forward. Recommended Actions). Additional key points raised were: information sharing, meeting of youth of the region, and to have a multi-national nomination. The drafted action plan focused on this points:

I. Need for Institutional Development II. Operational Support III. Capacity Building and Sensitization including technical support IV. Safeguarding Measures and Revitalization V. Regional Cooperation

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3. Moving Forward: Recommended Action1 Background

The sub-regional ICH Network Meeting in South Asia was held on 16-17 August, 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Representatives of State Parties, most of whom have ratified the 2003 Convention participated for an exchange of approaches, experiences and lessons learnt in the implementation of the Convention at the national level. The hosts of this sub-regional ICH Network Meeting were ICHCAP, the UNESCO Category II Centre based in Korea, together with the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal. Presentations were made by country representatives from Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives (though not ratified yet it is in the process of doing so) and Sri Lanka. There was no representation from India and Bangladesh. Presentations on issues were also made by experts from India, Sri Lanka, Korea and Nepal and by representatives from ICHCAP. The meeting was widely attended by government officials, NGOs, practitioners and experts from Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. Over the two packed days the benefits of sharing experiences of implementing the 2003 Convention in the sub-region were evident. It was agreed that meeting, sharing views and experiences, finding common ground was both useful and necessary. The platform provided a sharing of experiences concerning policies and processes for ICH safeguarding to State Party representatives and to all others present and led to the development of a framework of common needs and areas of concern as part of the concluding session. In addition, as part of the concluding session a draft statement that reflected the common concerns and shared issues of State Parties was presented. It is drawn from the common needs and areas of concerns that were developed and discussed during the two-day meeting and is based on shared experiences and ground realities faced in implementing the 2003 Convention in the sub-region. These recommended actions keep at its core the philosophy of the 2003 Convention on Safeguarding the ICH and its Operational Directives.

These Recommended Actions have been drawn up as a guidance for State Parties keeping in mind regional realities and the practicalities involved with safeguarding and sustaining the ICH. The State Parties can develop their own list of action plan based on this, with own priorities and timeframe, to implement at national level and take advantage of regional/sub-regional collaborative mechanism to advance some of the key actions. These would provide the building blocks towards the achievement of the long-term goals using national as well as international funding opportunities in the future. These actions have been developed based on the papers presented by State Party representatives on their

current situation, lessons learnt in the implementation of the 2003 ICH Convention, further elaborated by

the two days of discussions. The recommended actions are presented under the following themes:

1. Policy Support 2. Operational Support 3. Capacity Building and Sensitization 4. Regional Cooperation

Finally, it was expressed over the two-day consultation and in the concluding session that the possibilities of

a joint nomination would be explored by State Parties within the short-term; and furthermore that a bi-

annual networking meeting continues to be held in the sub-region to share the learning and experiences,

successes and failures, through collaboration with ICHCAP, and coordinated by UNESCO Field Offices in South

Asia.

1 Recommended actions have been shared with the delegates for their feedback and subsequent approval in December

2017. Bhutan and Pakistan have already approved it.

Recommended Actions

Program / Theme: Policy Support

Objective: To strengthen policy, legal and administrative framework of ICH institutions

The need for a National ICH Policy was strongly advocated. Such a policy would be aimed specifically at implementing the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH. Though being in line with the convention it would focus on the specific situation and the profile of ICH in the partic-ular country, while sustaining the collaborative spirit of UNESCO.

Developing a policy framework specifically oriented to ICH is seemed to be a major requirement for all countries, as there are no specific policies or legislation that support ICH Safeguarding.

Activity Timeframe Expected Outcome Means of Verification Key Responsibility Beneficiaries

Carry out a wider survey and prepare a status

of existing institutional, administrative and

legal framework

12 months Review Report

List of ICH institutes

Sector-wide analysis Line Ministry of Cultural

Affairs

NGOs can also be

involved

All ICH

stakeholders

Formulating a National ICH Policy (including

vision, mission and strategies)

12 months Policy document in

place

Draft

Feedbacks

Ministry

National focal point

Stakeholders

All stakeholders

Developing a functional and resourceful

National Plan including safeguard plans and

recovery plans, addressing threats, risks,

management of ICH, Inventories (at all

levels), Challenges and concerns, etc.

12 months Master / National

plan in place

Local action plans

Institutional plans

Safeguard plans

ICH projects

Periodic reporting

M & E

Progress reports

Budget

No. of Projects

Ministry


Provincial ministries

ICH related institutes

All stakeholders

Creating a beneficial regulatory environment

and enforcing national ICH legislations

12 months Updated legislation Draft

Legislation

Regulations

Feedbacks

Amendments

Ministry


All stakeholders

Program / Theme: Operational Support

Objective: To expand the scope and improve the quality of operational support for ICH for projects, programs and plans

Successful implementation of the ICH convention is often held back, as ICH is mostly part of larger bodies of heritage or culture department, and legislation related to implementation is scattered across various ministries or departments and thus does not have the key focus. Sharing the institutional space with other areas of heritage and culture did not do justice to the needs of ICH. This is also perhaps because the 2003 Convention is a relatively recent one and needs greater emphasis. Part of the policy development would also entail creation or strengthening institutions involved with ICH and empowering them with specific responsibilities


Developing a mechanism for networking, collaboration and coordination (vertical and horizontal / national, provincial, lo-cal)

24 months Functional and effective mech-anism

Discussions Progress reports

Line ministry Provincial minis-tries Local governments

All stakeholders

Seeking necessary financial support in-cluding facilitation of international assis-tance

24 months Timely increased budgetary allocation for ICH National assistance system in place (e.g. Social security sys-tem for practitioners, or emer-gency fund for ICH at risk)

Budget proposals Allocations Procurements Progress reports

Line ministry Provincial minis-tries Local governments

All stakeholders

Building substantial links with sustainable development including integration of pro-grams beyond those marked as cultural

24 months Linked projects and programs Proposals No. of projects No. of programs Feedbacks Progress reports

National focal point Other institutes working with SDGs / non-cultural pro-grams

All stakeholders

Introduce a documentation process into the regular plan of ICH institutions to cre-ate regular update on inventories, registry of community/ groups/individuals includ-ing periodic status report on safeguarding initiatives and/or measures

24 months Documentation process in place Published documents and texts in local languages Preparing and publishing trans-lations and creation of the Con-vention and ODs, ICH relevant documents and texts into na-tional and local languages

Periodic Status Reports by ICH Institution No. of ICH institutions creating updates No. of publications No. of documentation on inventories

ICH Institutions National focal point ICH experts Researcher Academia

Community Practitioners Transmitters Government

Program / Theme: Capacity Building and Sensitization

Objective: To streamline the capacity building of all ICH associated stakeholders and develop relevant human resources

Capacity Building for successful implementation is a critical aspect and required at multiple levels. This would involve awareness raising of the Con-vention at all levels, development of curriculum, skill development aimed at sustainability of ICH.

This includes sensitization towards cultural issues and an awareness of the importance of ICH, and of a community based, bottom up approach. The latter is the biggest challenge and appears to be counter intuitive to most agencies involved in implementation.


Enhancing ICH sensitization among policy makers and development planners

24 months ICH sensitive policy makers and development planners

No. programs No. policy makers No. Dev. Planners Feedbacks

Line ministry and other relevant ministries National focal point UNESCO National Commission

All stakeholders

Improving ICH responsiveness of Civil society/ cultural activists/Community based organizations through seminars, workshops and involvement in ICH projects.

12 months High ICH responsiveness among Civil society/ cultural activists/Community based organizations

No. CB programs No. persons trained No. Feedbacks Progress reports

National focal point Academia ICH experts Mass media

All stakeholders

Conducting skill development programs for ICH communities / practitioners / transmitters / indigenous communities, etc.

24months ICH oriented skills improved and applied in sustainable livelihoods among relevant target groups

No. programs No. persons trained No. new craftsmanship entries Feedbacks Progress reports

National focal point Academia ICH experts

ICH communities / practitioners / transmitters / indigenous communities

Introducing ICH oriented approaches for experts, academics and researchers into their routine programs, and creation of ICH specialization among them. Introduction of ICH in curriculum at school and in research at university level.

24 months ICH oriented approaches applied in programs / curricula conducted by experts, academia, and researchers

No. of programs No. of researches No. of publications No. of ICH related subjects in school curriculum No. UG / PG students doing ICH research

National focal point Universities ICH training institutes Research institutes

ICH experts Academics Researchers UG students PG students Practitioners

Creating ICH awareness among youth and school children

24months Increased number of ICH oriented activities and excursions among youth and school children

No. of programs No. of students No. of teachers No. of schools No. of areas No. of youths Manuals Teacher guide books Feedbacks

Line ministry and other relevant ministries Institutes related to youth programs National focal point Academia ICH experts Mass media

Improving ICH receptiveness among media, writers and publishers

24 months Increased number of ICH- friendly media activities / performances and publications

No. programs No. media institutes No. of writers No. of publishers No. of books No. articles No. of educational / documentary entertaining programs

Line ministry and other relevant ministries Institutes related to media HRD (Human Resource Development) National focal point Academia ICH experts Mass media

All stakeholders

Program / Theme: Regional Cooperation

Objective: To maintain a meaningful dialogue and effective coordination among the international parties and agencies in mutually agreeable terms

The importance of regional cooperation was at the crux of the meeting. The meeting had been organized with the hope of setting up a network or means of regular information exchange, cooperation and collaboration and resource sharing by way of expertise and experience in the spirit of international cooperation which is at the heart of the 2003 ICH Convention.


Regularizing Regional and Interna-tional consultations and interactions

24 months Regional ICH body / council Meetings Feedbacks Reports Declarations

UNESCO regional office State parties

All the state parties

Establishment of cross-regional in-formation sharing systems

36 months Well-mannered Information shar-ing mechanism

MOUs Feedbacks Periodic reports

Regional ICH council UNESCO regional office State parties


Facilitating a mechanism for network-ing cross-border collaboration

36 months Functional mechanism for network-ing cross-border collaboration

Feedbacks Periodic reports



Encouraging regional ICH Inventories and databases

36 months Regional inventory and database in place

No. of state parties No. of elements No. of database entries No. of accessions



Encouraging multi-National ICH nom-inations

36 months Increased number of multinational nominations

No. of nominations No. of inscriptions



Exchanging ICH expertise across the region

36 months Continuous exchange programs No. of state parties No. of exchanges No. of experts No. of programs MoUs Feedbacks



Fostering ICH for peace restoration, conflict resolution, integration and reconciliation

36 months ICH integrated with building peace No. of cases No. of resolutions Feedback Reports



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4.1 Country Reports

Country Report: Bhutan

Current status on developing legal framework on culture in Bhutan

Dr Yonten Dargye Head of Research and Media Division, National Library and Archives, Royal Government of Bhutan

1. Introduction

As Bhutan has maintained independence throughout its history, there had been no obstacles to evolution, development, preservation or conservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the country. There had been a variety of forward steps throughout its history. The heyday of ICH had come to fruition since the establishment of the monarchy in 1907. Under the benevolent rule of our great farsighted monarchs, Bhutanese folklore, art, oral traditions, rituals, customs, ceremonies, festivities, traditional technologies, and learning had flourished. Bhutanese intangible cultural heritage transmitted from generation to generation, constantly evolving and renewing itself with the passage of time.

But today, the space of the ICH is undergoing dramatic change with the increasing impact of globalization, urbanization and consequent trend for assimilation of cultures and traditions. The modern trends of mass culture and art are invading Bhutan. Exposure to foreign cultures through increasing interaction and television is having a positive impact where livelihood issues are concerned, but is also having a negative impact on our culture and traditions. Ways of thinking are gradually changing in response to the new challenges. Thus the successful preservation and promotion cultural values is a challenging task however sound and healthy the safeguarding system and policies are.

2. Safeguarding system & policy

1) National Law/Act

Currently, cultural preservation, protection and promotion activities are mostly being carried in

accordance with the following existing policies, legislations, guidelines, rules and regulations and bills:

1. Bhutan 2020 1999 (country’s vision document)

2. Legal Deposit Act 1999

3. The Movable Cultural Property Act of Bhutan 2005

4. The Movable Cultural Property Guidelines 2006

5. The Religious Organizations Act of Bhutan 2007

6. The Religious Organization Guidelines 2010

7. Basic Guidelines for Conservation of Heritage Sites 2008

8. Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008

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...the State shall endeavor to preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the

country and entrusts every citizen with the responsibility to protect culture and heritage”

2) Current Status on developing legal framework on Culture

2009-2010: The National Library and Archives in coordination with Office of the Attorney General

started preliminary preparation of Draft Archives Bill

2011: Department of Culture requested UNESCO New Delhi office for technical cooperation to develop

legal framework in the area of heritage in Bhutan, particularly:

1. Heritage Sites Bill

2. Archives Bill

3. Intangible Cultural Heritage Bill

Ms. Moe Chiba, Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO New Delhi identified International legal expert, Prof. Toshiyuki Kono, Distinguished Professor of Law, Kyushu University, Japan and arranged the first meeting with the Department of Culture on March 2011.

The framework of cooperation between the Department of Culture, Kyushu University and UNESCO New Delhi formally established to enhance efficient technical and financial cooperation to develop national legal framework in the area of culture in Bhutan from 3 October 2012 to 2 October 2015 for three years (to be extended for three years until 2 October 2018). Prof. Kono and Ms. Chiba has provided guidance throughout the drafting process and looked for consistency with international heritage laws.

2012 to 2015: - Preparation of Draft Heritage Sites Bill

-Reviewed Draft Archives Bill

-Extensive discussion with Department of Culture and other relevant stakeholders about

the requirement to draft Intangible Cultural heritage of Bhutan

-The National Library and Archives prepared Draft Intangible Cultural Heritage Bill in

consultation with Ms. Moe Chiba and Prof. Kono

3) Drafting of Heritage Sites Bill was completed and had a series of consultation meetings

1. The Bill was discussed within the Department of Culture and the Ministry of Home and Cultural

Affairs.

2. The legal aspect of archaeology in relation to the Bill was discussed in a two-day workshop on

April 20 and 21, 2012. Participants included relevant eminent members of the Parliament,

Culture Officers of the twenty Dzongkhags, and officials of other relevant government agencies

and the Dratshang.

3. Discussed relevant aspects of the Bill with the officials of the Division of Human Settlements of

the Ministry of Works and Human Settlements.

4. The Bill was presented to the twenty Dzongdas and discussed during the Annual Dzongdag

conference held in 2014

5. Discussed the Bill with officials of the relevant government agencies during the Poverty and

Social Impact Analysis (PSIA) of Heritage Sites Bill launch workshop on February 24, 2014.

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6. The archaeology workshop in November 2014 introduced the Bill to the stakeholders, which

included relevant eminent members of the Parliament, officials of other relevant government

agencies and the Dratshang.

7. Discussed sustaining cultural landscape with officials of the relevant government agencies and

CSOs in the Cultural Landscape Panel sessions on August17, 2014 and August 5, 2015.

8. Discussed protecting heritage sites relating to agricultural land and livelihood with officials of

the Department of Agriculture on August 14, 2015.

9. The Bill has been distributed to most of the relevant government stakeholders (including

Dzongkhags) for review and comments.

10. The Bill was translated in Dzongkha and consistency with laws in Bhutan was undertaken by

Garuda Legal Service. The Dzongkha translation was further reviewed by internal expert team.

During the 86th Lhengye Zhungtshog (Cabinet Meeting) held on 1st September 2015, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs submitted “Heritage Sites Bill of Bhutan” which purpose was to provide protection for heritage site (immovable cultural heritage) and received the following directives as per the letter no. C-3/86/81 dated on 14 September 2015:

To explore the possibility of merging provisions of both Tangible and Intangible into one Bill.

The intent of the Act should not be to impose restrictions but to look at providing incentives and ways to encourage people to pursue the conservation initiatives.

The economic developmental aspects such as construction of hydropower projects and other such important activities are not hampered while pursuing the conservation of heritage sites.

9 October 2015: As per the instruction of Cabinet, the Department of Culture had a meeting and decided to work on merging the three draft bills (Heritage Sites, amend the Movable Cultural Property Act 2005 and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Bills) into one Bill as Cultural Heritage Bill. The work was spearheaded by Ms. Junko Mukai in coordination with relevant focal person from Division of Cultural Property and the National Library and Archives.

18 November 2015: Concept of Cultural Heritage Bill introduced to Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs (MoHCA)

4) Cultural Heritage Draft Bill

Dec. 2015- Sept. 2016: Amendment, merging, translation into Dzongkha, drafting of rules and

regulations, consultation meetings with stakeholders as a due process

completed and the Cultural Heritage Bill along with its background report was

submitted to the concerned ministry (Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs) for

inclusion in the agenda for deliberation in the Parliament.

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Country Report: Bhutan

Inventorying the ICH: Sharing Bhutan’s experiences

Dr Yonten Dargye Head of Research and Media Division, National Library and Archives, Royal Government of Bhutan

1. ICH Transmission System

At present in Bhutan, ICH information or knowledge/skills is transmitted mainly through following mediums/vehicles: through parents-children through means of oral tradition and, practice and learning; through training-learning in the schools and institutes; through practice out of individual interests. Thus, skills have been passed down from parent to child and from teacher to student through traditional apprenticeship training system.

Realizing the importance of safeguarding ICH, the government has started recognizing those individuals with exceptional expertise in the field of ICH with honour and incentives. The National Library and Archives has a plan to carry out mapping/identifying of individuals and groups who embody ICH throughout the country.

2. Transformation and Assimilation The space of the ICH is undergoing dramatic change with the increasing impact of globalization, urbanization and consequent trend for assimilation of cultures and traditions. The modern trends of mass culture and art are invading. Exposure to foreign cultures through increasing interaction and television is having a positive impact as well as a negative impact on our culture and traditions. Ways of thinking are gradually changing in response to the new challenges.

3. Some of the reasons why ICH is in danger

i) Education With children going to school these days, the rituals and festivals are beginning to lose their original place of importance and priority in the minds of the younger generation; some of the children and even some grown-ups show disinterest in their own customs and traditions such as death rituals. This being the case, there is a real threat to their transmission within the community as educated youth will drift away from the villages to the urban centres for employment, thus losing the touch with the Lhop community and its cultural practices.

ii) Socio-economic Development

Due to rapid socio-economic development in Bhutan, people are increasingly exposed to modern ways and amenities, thereby threatening the authentic core practices of their customs and traditions. With the changing times and attitudes in the community towards materialism, the traditional character and way of thinking is also changing. Younger generations are now driven by modern thoughts and over time, their age-old culture and traditions is threatened.

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iii) Oral Tradition

Most of the customs and traditions are based on oral tradition and do not exist in written form to this day. At present they exist purely in oral form and thus stand the risk of extinction with the passage of time and the passing away of the elderly people who are the keepers of the traditions. Already, the present generation seems to have lost a great deal of the past due to lack of any written documents.

Measures taken:

Realizing the threat posed to ICH, the Royal Government of Bhutan, through different government and non-government organizations, is supporting and encouraging preparation of policies and bills, carrying out research and documentations, conduct of workshops/meetings and bringing of publications on ICH. But what we are doing at present is just a small part, we have long way to go before we could put proper safeguarding measures in place.

4. Capacity Building Workshops

Under the technical support and financial assistance coordinated by the UNESCO-Delhi, three capacity building workshops were conducted in Bhutan from 2012 to 2014 on different themes as follows:

1. Capacity Building Workshop on Implementation of the 2003 Convention at the national level from 14 to 18 May, 2012. It had the participation of a total of 28 participants which comprised of district culture officers, focal points from the National Library & Archives, Department of Culture, Folk Heritage Museum, Institute of Language & Cultural Studies, HELVETAS-Swiss Development organization- an NGO based in Bhutan having ICH mapping as one of their programmes.

2. Capacity Building Workshop on Community-based inventorying of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the Implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bhutan was held from April 2-9, 2013. There were 20 participants including district culture officers , focal points from the National Library & Archives, Royal Academy for performing arts, Institute of language and Cultural Studies, Institute Traditional Medicine, Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 arts of Bhutan), National Museum of Bhutan, representative from Local government officials and UNESCO Natcom -Bhutan.

3. The third and the final workshop on the Process of Preparing nomination Dossiers under the two lists of the Convention: Representative List of ICH and the List of ICH in Need of Urgent Safeguarding was held from 4 to 8 March 2014. There were participants from all the relevant agencies.

This Capacity Building Workshops were well-timed coinciding with the process of Inventorying ICH undertaken by Bhutan with the assistance and financing provide by the ICHCAP- Korea and it facilitated to great extent.

5. Government-related organizations carrying out ICH Research and Documentation

5.1. National Library and Archives of Bhutan

The Research and Media Division under National Library & Archives of Bhutan (NLAB) as government organization is mandated with responsibility to undertake research and documentation of ICH of Bhutan

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in order to preserve for posterity, therefore the division works towards fulfilling its responsibility with different programmes/projects as follows:

Project details:

5.1.1 Development of Inventory making Project (ICHCAP) and publication of Bhutan ICH Book

As part of the efforts to safeguard ICH in Bhutan and to create awareness among the younger generations about the importance of studying, preserving, and promoting/transmitting Bhutan’s ICH, the Department of Culture through the National Library and Archives proposed, in association with ICHCAP, a project for the development of a national information system of ICH in Bhutan. The project was formally launched in November 2011 with a symposium presided over by Dr. Seong-Yong Park, then acting Director General of ICHCAP, and Mr. Dorjee Tshering, then Director General of Bhutan Department of Culture.

The main research team for this ICH project was composed of seven members— Gengop Karchung, Galey Wangchuk, Jigme Choden, Tshering Choki, Sonam Yudon, Sonam Yangdon, and Yeshe Lhundrub. Within the time limit imposed by many other commitments, they patiently journeyed to remote villages of almost all districts, enduring many hardships along the way. The field trips were undertaken by car as far as possible, but most travel was made on foot as the communities and villages to be surveyed were in far-flung areas. They met with community members of various ages though in general only the most experienced and knowledgeable village men and women were invited to contribute data. This was done through various informal talks but mainly through directed interviews with individuals who had practical experience of ICH matters in their own area. The team gathered up information both on ICH activities still practiced today and on those now forgotten except in the memories of village elders.

The data collected from primary sources through interactions, interviews, and field observations were noted in standard notebooks. Cameras and audio recording equipment were used to document local social and cultural activities, oral traditions, folklore, and songs. Once back from the field, the researchers consulted and referred to a number of secondary sources, mainly books and documents that deal with the cultural life of Bhutan, to crosscheck and analyze field data. The writing up of the data and compilation of this report remained a work in progress for much longer than we would have wished, principally due to the wide scope of the subject matter and also to the researchers’ other professional commitments in their respective positions.

Although the project was originally scheduled for a duration of two years and four months (Sept 2011–Dec 2013), it was extended further by one year and eight months as the report compilation, writing, translation, and editing were delayed due to technical problems.

The results of four years of research in the book, entitled Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan (ICH) was formally launched on 29 July 2015 at Hotel Le Meridian in Thimphu, Bhutan, being graced by His Excellency Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan, and representative of the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Republic of Korea and Director-General of ICHCAP in the presence of many dignitaries and ICH enthusiasts.

In conclusion, we are very happy to acknowledge that book would not have seen the light of day in its present form without the generous financial support of ICHCAP. The book, we hope, will serve as basis to lay the groundwork for a full national inventory of ICH of Bhutan.

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5.1.2. Development of Database and Documentation of ICH elements In continuation of documentation carried out under the funding project ICHCAP, the Research and Media Division of the National Library and Archives has started carrying out research and documentation of ICH elements across all districts of the country to help preserve it. The researched and documented heritages will be made online in various forms such as document, image, video and audio formats for all the internet users. The internet users will not only find the cultural element and its description but will also find the location details of the element including village, block, and district. Furthermore, the users will have access to the researched information on the extinct culture as well.

The above online information will not only help the staff of the NLAB and the Department of Culture maintain the records of the cultures in Bhutan but will certainly help national and international anthropologists/researchers to find information on the specific cultures of Bhutan without much difficulty. Besides, this online database will provide a platform for fellow citizens to learn and understand their culture better. In this web-based database, the researched data are categorized under 7 domains and it will be further divided into categories, genres and elements based on the uniqueness and characteristics of the culture. The internet users can search for elements based on dzongkhag (district), Gewog (block), domain, or simply by typing the element name or keyword(s) in the textbox of Basic Search.

The database has already being developed by local software designer. The provisional database is available at www.bhutanculture.bt

5.1.3. Documentation and research of Festivals

Every dzongkhag (district) has numerous ancient religious and folk/ritual festivals mostly conducted annually; some of the festivals are conducted once in two to three years. The festivals play vital role in binding community members together, thus living in peace and harmony. It also reflects community identity. But as the village communities are increasingly exposed to modern ways and amenities, the younger generation is increasingly oriented towards the modern world and is proportionately less enthusiastic to participate in festivals.

While previous generations have been able to sustain festivals by observing and understanding the celebrations and through their shared experiences and memories, the younger generation is comparatively less informed about the festival tradition that so identifies them as their heritage. Elderly community members express concern that festival celebration will lose its prestige and priority in the minds of younger generations with each passing year, and that such a situation might contribute to the loss of an important local religious and folk celebration.

So in order to preserve and protect the tradition of festival celebrations, the Research and Media Division aims to document and research festivals of every district and bring out a special volume of report on each district. The Division has currently covered Bumthang District and the result will be published in book form and will also be available in website.

5.1.4. Documentation and research of traditional calligraphic, xylographic and print culture

With easy modern computer technology, the traditional calligraphic and xylographic printing heritage is threatened. The country is rapidly approaching the stage at which a massive store of oral tradition, skills and historical knowledge including calligraphic and xylographic printing culture could very well suffer an inexorable decline.

http://www.bhutanculture.bt/

25

Without proper research and documentation, the significance of this heritage that our forefathers valued so much may not be properly understood and appreciated by future generations. There is now a critical and immediate need to institute a formal research and documentation program on Bhutan’s traditional calligraphic and xylographic printing culture, before this knowledge is lost to us. It is our wish to produce a series of comprehensive and authoritative works on the historical development of this heritage, and to make the results accessible to the public.

The main objective is to identify and document the calligraphic, xylographic and print culture with appropriate research on its historical development and significance, and to bring out a comprehensive book and a video documentary and create a “museum corner” on it at the NLAB so as to provide an authoritative source on this sacred heritage. The project also aims to broaden and deepen people’s knowledge about this heritage so that its significance does not fade away.

The project is already implemented and, research and documentation is underway.

5.2. College of Language and Cultural Studies, Taktse, Trongsa

The College of Language and Cultural Studies, Taktse, Trongsa, has implemented a project of The Bhutan Cultural Atlas (BCA) being funded by UNESCO-New Delhi World Heritage Centre, and the Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance, France. The Bhutan culture atlas aims at documenting tangible and intangible heritage across all districts in the country to help preserve culture. The project also aims in providing informed database for policy makers, the department of culture, institutions, tourism, national and international audiences. The documentation that is carried out in the field is then standardized and uploaded on a dedicated website.

The project began some years ago, and the college presented the outcome of its first phase of “The Bhutan Culture Atlas” on April 27, 2016 in a workshop held at the Royal University of Bhutan. In its next phase the culture mapping would be shifted to Zhemgang district. The BCA project has currently covered two districts: Bumthang and Trongsa. The documented result available at website www.bhutanculturalatlas.org

6. Non- Government Organizations

6.1. Shejun Agency for Bhutan’s Cultural Documentation and Research

The Shejun Agency was established in 2013 with the aim of preserving and passing on the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan to future generations. Shejun presently focuses on the documentation and study of Bhutan's written heritage and oral traditions. Shejun works in close collaboration with local partner: the Department of Culture under Bhutan's Ministry of Home and Culture and with leading international research universities such as Cambridge University and the University of Virginia.

Shejun documentation and research mostly covers the wide range of intangible and oral cultural elements including Oral traditions and expressions, Performing Arts, Social practices rituals and festive events, Traditional craftsmanship, Traditional knowledge of food processing etc. These are all covered within their overall documentation project rather than being pursued with individual focus.

Project Details:

Title: Documentation of Bhutan’s Intangible and Oral cultures.

http://www.bhutanculturalatlas.org/

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Purpose: To preserve the intangible and oral cultures from vanishing within the swift globalization impact by digitizing for future generation, which can be a rich cultural repository of knowledge and resources for future academics and students to study and learn.

Duration: 5 years.

Results: Within our three and half years’ time, wide range of cultural elements are covered and documented in audio-video formats and were able to produces around 2000 offline videos of various titles with metadata and transcripts. Over 100,000 raw pictures of cultural elements are collected of which about 20,000 are cataloged with metadata. Over 15000 cultural subjects were identified and over 600 of them are summarized with descriptions. The documentation projects also made an initiation to census the worshipped spirits of Bhutan while we also documented about 3000 place names starting from administrative hierarchy to the local places.

6.2. The Music of Bhutan Research Centre

The Music of Bhutan Research Centre (MBRC) was founded in 2008 by Kheng Sonam Dorji to document, preserve, and promote the traditional music of Bhutan. Under Sonam’s leadership, MBRC aims to break new ground by professionally researching, recording and archiving the many musical traditions of the country’s diverse regional, linguistic and ethnic groups, and by documenting the finest living master musicians in performance and interviews.

Since its establishment, the MBRC has archived over 80 musical elders; staged an historic reunion of master singers and dancers from the 1960s royal court; produced the first book profiling Bhutanese musicians; documented village music traditions throughout the country, and initiated several public programs.

In 2012 MBRC received coveted Civil Society Organization status from the government of Bhutan.

MBRC develops compact discs, books, and videos based on fieldwork projects as resources permit.

MBRC values collaboration and welcomes partnerships with other cultural organizations and institutions that also share an interest in traditional Bhutanese music.

6.3. Bhutan Oral Literature Project: Culture, Language, Environment

Founded in 2010, the Bhutan Oral Literature Project: Culture, Language, Environment (BOLDP) focuses on documenting and reinvigorating the vanishing languages and traditional ecological knowledge of Bhutan for the people of Bhutan and the world. At present, the documentation project is underway to preserve the unique local dialects and languages of Bhutan. A researcher of the Linguistics School of Culture, History and Language of ANU College of Asia-Pacific in Australia, Gwendolyn Hyslop, in collaboration with Dr George N Appell and Charity Appell McNabb, are spearheading the project.

7. Regents Needs to Safeguard

The National Library and Archives had a project (from 2011 – 2014) with the funding support of ICHCAP, South Korea, to survey and document ICH in Bhutan. The research team during the project period undertook trips to several places and met with several ICH practitioners and bearers. From the trip it

http://www.musicofbhutan.org/?page_id=2231

http://www.musicofbhutan.org/?page_id=2231

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was learnt that some of the ICH elements are in danger of disappearance and in need of proper attention of ICH guardians.

List of ICH which needs immediate research, documentation and safeguarding measures:

SL.

No.

ICH Name Location Transformation

foreseen

Remarks

1

Shamanistic practices such as

pawo, pam

Nenjom. Terdag, jomo, etc.

Across the

country

Needs documentation to

safeguard

2 Oral History/folklore

Across the

country

This aspect of

ICH is in threat of

being lost

completely

Needs urgent mapping

and

recording/documentation

3 Traditional healing practices

such as ruto tsugmi (bone

setter), dug jibmi (Poison-

sucker), etc.

Different

districts

Needs documentation

4 Traditional skilled arts such as:

a) Chagzo (Iron work/black

smitthing

b) Slate carving

c) Pottery (dzazo)

d) Bone work (ruezo)

e) Leather work (kozo)

Identified

places

Needs safeguarding

measures

5 Rituals, folk and religious

festivals and dances

Across the

country

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8. Problems and Challenges for the safeguarding of ICH

The pertinent problems and challenges faced while carrying out ICH safeguarding activities are as

follows:

Lack of law or legal guidelines;

Lack of designated/dedicated ICH Division to carry out the sole ICH related works;

Lack of trained/skilled human resources;

Lack of enough fund for in safeguarding activities;

Lack of coordination/collaboration and interactions between different ICH documentation / research organizations.

There is need to create awareness-raising of importance of safeguarding the ICH to general public, especially to ICH holding communities, bearers and practitioners and decision makers.

There is also need to institute avenues and opportunities to recognize and honour outstanding efforts of cultural preservation and promotion.

Conclusion

The Department of Culture, Bhutan, is proud for having able to prepare a draft Cultural Heritage Bill in which ICH is also included. The draft bill is awaiting deliberation in the Parliament. A total of three workshops on capacity building and process of preparing nomination dossiers have been held in Bhutan with support from UNESCO Delhi. Besides capacity building, the workshops also educated those working in the field of ICH and stakeholders about the UNESCO Convention 2003 as well the importance of safeguarding ICH. The young staff (researchers) of the National Library and Archives having got an opportunity to work under the ICHCAP support project gained tremendous experience in the research and documentation of ICH. ICHCAP’s financial support and NLAB staffs’ und aunting effort have resulted into publication of first ever Bhutanese ICH book.

It is heartening to see that more Government as well as private organizations are either directly or indirectly involved in the research, documentation and archiving of ICH. Over this period two new non- government organizations (viz. Shejun for Bhutan’s Cultural Documentation and Research and Bhutan Oral Literature Project: Culture, Language, Environment) have been established and they are directly involved in the documentation and inventorying ICH. Because of more organizations taking part in the ICH documentation activities, awareness-raising is increasingly created. Despite all these, there are still lots to be done in the field of ICH safeguarding. A positive trend has already been set and it is hoped that time will come when Bhutan will have full ICH safeguarding measures in place and ICH inventory of its own.

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Country Report: Maldives

The Current Status and Challenges of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and measures to safeguard ICH in the Maldives

Mr Ibrahim Mujah Head of the Heritage, Department of Heritage

Mr Ismail Ashraf

Department of Heritage 1. Introduction / Overall country situation

Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boasts an impressive historical background from its well over 2000 years2

of human habitation among its 1190 or so islands. The Maldives has been a stopover along the Indian Ocean trade route; the Maldivian people display a mix of physical features resembling African, Arabian and South Asian and South East Asian people. With the change of the religion from Vajrayana Buddhism to Islam and the change of rule from monarchy to democracy, Maldives have shown diversity in the range of cultures and traditions that have evolved to form the identity of the Maldives as we know it today.

Practices such as dances, oral literature and performing arts along with traditional craftsmanship, seafaring culture (celestial navigation), traditional medicine and cuisine can be observed on various levels ranging from national to individuals.

Unfortunately the history of Maldives is not well known. However, what we know today can be traced through the left behind ruins, monuments, past events, literature, etc. Although some books are written by foreign explorers and travelers on the history and culture of Maldives, the lack of proper documentations of the history has meant that the bits and pieces from the different sources give just a glimpse of the history of Maldives while several origins to the history have long disappeared like the footsteps on a beach where the waves constantly wash them away.

It is evident that more research is required to track down and document the history before its disappearance. Therefore it is the number one priority for the country today to create an inventory for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the country.

2 Pre-Islamic Maldives by Naseema Mohamed – Published in ‘Man and Environment Journal of the Indian Society

for Pre-Historic and Quaternary Studies’ Volume XXVII, No.1 (January –June 2002).

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2. Approaches/Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework concerning ICH in the country

The first official action on the protection of ICH was taken through a workshop organized by UNESCO in the name of ‘Introduction to UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage – What action for Maldives?’ in November 2016. The participants of the workshop included stakeholders of culture related organizations and NGO’s of relevant field along with University students and researchers. It was through this workshop that the Maldives truly identified the definitions of ICH and importance of 2003 convention for the country thanks to the professionals from UNESCO who elaborated the 2003 Convention.

Following the workshop, the Intangible Heritage committee was founded which include participants from the workshop. The aim of the committee is to guide the policy level government executives towards the 2003 Convention and the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. After the endorsement of the committee, the convention has now been forwarded to the Attorney General Office. The Convention is now in the process of being presented to the parliament with the legal advice of the Attorney General. On being presented to the parliament, the convention will be debated upon by the members of the parliament followed by a vote amongst the parliament.

While the convention is in process of being presented to the parliament, the committee has proceeded to create a national ICH inventory based on documentations such as photos, video and books. This method is however not the most efficient or accurate way to collect the information due to not being up to date but will be a baseline for a startup. Even though the committee itself accepts that travelling to the remote islands spread across the atolls of Maldives is the most effective way to collect the most comprehensive information, the expenses involved in the travelling and documentation for this method is far above the financial availability.

Affiliated government bodies of ICH

Department of Heritage

The Academy of Dhivehi Language

National Archives

National Center for the Arts

National Library

It is also relevant to mention that there has not been any official inventory of the ICH created in Maldives in the past and therefore not much attention had been paid for its importance until now.

3. Policy, legal and institutional challenges and lessons learnt regarding the implementation of the 2003 Convention

As with many other countries, heritage related projects and activities in Maldives have not been given due priority or significance at policy level and hence their understanding of the Convention’s importance remained low.

It is stated in the constitution of Maldives to safeguard and protect the history of Maldives. In light of this legislation, a law was enforced on July 1979 by the name “Laws Relating to sites and property in the Maldives of Antique/Archeological and Historical value” (Law No. 27/79). This law provides a framework against destroying, dismantling or damaging any property of antique or archeological and historical value located within the territory of Maldives. To this day it is this law that provides any legal strength to heritage related work. It is important to know that this law does not mention or state any supporting

31

values specifically to the ICH. In addition, Dhivehi Raajeyge Idhaaree Dhaairaathah Laamarukazee Usoolun Hingumuge Gaanoon (the Decentralization Act) which was enforced in May 2010 provides the island councils with the authority of preservation and revival of cultural and historically significant activities. In 2016 an amendment was brought to this act3

Institutions undertaking work related to different aspects of the ICH being under different Ministries, within the government is also another challenge for the Maldives. In such cases we often find parent organizations of the institutions unable to grasp the level of importance in achieving heritage related tasks. This results in the projects of such institutions being given lower priority by their parent organizations. Within such institutes it is also difficult for all sections to work towards the same goal due to each section prioritizing their own tasks in hand and being unable to relate or understand how to connect the different concepts as one.

Lack of regulations to conserve and preserve heritage held by private collectors is also a challenge faced by Maldives due to which cultural properties of Maldives are not protected from being exported or transferred overseas and no Law or regulation has been formulated to address this issue.

The limited capacity in the field of heritage conservation and management is a huge challenge including the lack of trained staff on heritage management and lack of skilled expertise in conservation and management of heritage facilities. More individuals need to be trained. Financial limitation is also a challenge faced in the conservation and management of heritage taking in the costs of transportation and other expenditures.

Challenges faced in safeguarding ICH:

The scattered nature of geography in the Maldives has caused different islands to be blessed with its own traditions. However, due to the geographical dispersion some traditions are not documented well and not well preserved.

The lack of proper regulations and law to preserve the ICH is another challenge.

The limited technical expertise and trained staff in preserving ICH is also a major challenge. Also, lack of equipment needed is a concerning issue.

The limited funding provided makes it hard to hire professional conservators and experts.

There are number of people unaware of the importance of conserving ICH. This has led to destruction in preserving ICH. It is vital for the public to understand the true value of ICH and the importance of safeguarding it.

No institution has previously focused on ICH much and therefore there are no proper inventories made, although the Department of Heritage has taken initiative and is trying to put together a list.

Along with the above mentioned points, it is important to also mention that low level of concern and awareness towards ICH by the communities within Maldives will take a tremendous effort to change the true value of the heritage and the need for its conservation, in preserving the Maldivian identity.

3 The amendment brought in 2016 states that the President of Maldives will finalize the mandate of all councils. (It

is from this amendment during the same year, the President announced that among the councils, those which are

declared cities have had their authority of heritage site management reassigned to the Department of Heritage.)

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4. Inventorying the ICH, information system and lessons learnt

Since the Maldives is taking its first steps towards the 2003 ICH convention, strategies and methodologies are at the initial stages where they will be changed or refined upon or during implementation.

Below is a table showing the initial work plan to identify and inventorying the ICH.

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5. Nomination, Safeguarding and periodic reporting

Since the Maldives is working towards creating an ICH list with the aim to implement the Convention, there are no nominations up to date.

6. Conclusion

In light of the workshop conducted by UNESCO in 2016 the Department of Heritage and ICH committee along with other stakeholders are actively working towards the goal of implementing the 2003 ICH Convention in the future. Currently, the Maldives is still in the beginning stage through creating the National ICH inventory and have many barriers to cross. However with the current ambition and teamwork on ICH, our spirits are high and hope to be successful with the guidance of UNESCO, ICHCAP and experts of the field.

About the author(s)

- Mr. Ibrahim Mujah has been an employee of the Department of Heritage since 2010. Since joining the Department, he has participated in multiple heritage survey programs and actively engaged in heritage site conservation work. Currently he is the head of the Heritage section which is under the Department of Heritage.

- Mr. Ismail Ashraf joined the Department of Heritage in 2008. Since joining the Department, he has participated in international ACCU and ICCROM training programs and seminars related to museum and heritage management. He has been actively working as a curator and conservation officer for the national museum and now works in the Heritage section where he engages in research and conservation work.

References

- Pre-Islamic Maldives by Naseema Mohamed – Published in ‘Man and Environment Journal of the Indian Society for Pre-Historic and Quaternary Studies’ Volume XXVII, No.1 (January –June 2002).

- mv.law.gov.mv

- UNESCO 2003 ICH convention

- UNESCO documents from the workshop ‘Introduction to UNESCO 2003 convention for the safe guarding of Intangible cultural Heritage – What action for Maldives?’ November 2016

- Official records from the Department of Heritage

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Country Report: Nepal

Safeguarding ICH in Nepal

Mr Bharat Mani Subedi Joint Secretary, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal

Introduction and Overall Country Situation

With more than one hundred ethnic and caste groups, Nepal is blessed with an immense cultural diversity and various forms of living heritage and cultural expressions. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the Government of Nepal in 2010. Since 2012 several capacity-building projects in the framework of the 2003 Convention have been implemented. Nepal is in needs of a legal framework aiming at supporting and nurturing the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage at both national and local levels. This includes the strengthening of capacity building measures and setting up an inventory of intangible cultural heritage.

Approaches and Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework Concerning ICH

Policy

a. In 2011 the National Culture Policy was formulated. The National Culture Policy has made special provision for traditional knowledge and intangible culture heritage in general for the social tolerance and national integration. Before that, there was no separate cultural policy in the country.

b. Before ratifying the Convention various organizations - governmental and academic institutions, as well as community-based institutions have been engaged in the promotion, safeguarding and management of ICH.

c. However, different policies supported the efforts of safeguarding ICH through various actions and programs such as the Constitution, periodic plans, budget activities and other programs through the line ministries.

d. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) is responsible for the implementation of ICH related programs. Currently, MoCTCA is making necessary amendments to the existing National Cultural Policy (2011) in order to accommodate issues considering the restructuring of the state governance.

Legal Framework

a. The Constitution of Nepal has provisioned the right to culture to the people having their own culture and racial, linguistic, or other backgrounds.

b. Under the Constitution, there are various acts and regulations, namely the Ancient Monument Preservation Act (1956), the Copyright Act (2002), and various development trust acts, e.g.

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Lumbini, Pashupati and Janakpur Area Development Trusts for the safeguarding of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

c. National Intellectual Property Policy (2017) further addresses folklore, traditional cultural expression, traditional knowledge, indigenous knowledge and the protection of genetic resources.

d. For the promotion of performing arts, the government has established and operated Cultural Corporation in 1971 which is also known as National Theater of Nepal. Likewise, three major academies, e.g. Language and Literature, Fine Arts, and Music and Drama were established for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

e. Indigenous Nationalities Development Act has created a body named National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities for the same purpose. MoCTCA has created various development committees under the Ministry in different parts of the country. They are entitled to run the administration in the religious-ritual complexes and pilgrimage and promote religious/pilgrimage tourism while enhancing infrastructure.

f. Recently under the new Constitution (2072 BS), the Government of Nepal has created 756 local level administration units. These units will also work for the safeguarding of ICH at the community level. For a long time, the Guthi (Trust) Corporation is carrying out various activities for the protection of traditionally inherited cultural performances under the Guthi Sansthan Ain (Guthi Corporation Act).

g. For legal and institutional matters the Constitution of Nepal (2072 BS) has made provisions to create new laws. There will be special arrangement under the federal structure of government in the field of safeguarding ICH. Several subjects are provisioned in the Constitution (2072) including right to culture and various commissions related to cultural affairs.

h. In the time ahead, the central government will have more focus on policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation, setting the standard to implement the policy. The provincial government is also responsible for policy and operation, and will work as a coordinating agency for ICH. The local government will have main responsibility to safeguard ICH along UNESCO-mandate through community mobilization.

Institutional Framework

a. The MoCTCA is the leading agency for the policy, legal issues and coordination of ICH related matters. In the same way, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, the Department of Archaeology, Guthi Sansthan (Corporation), various academies, development trusts, the National Theater, the Copyrights Registrar Office, National Foundation for Indigenous Nationalities, federal as well as provincial and local level governments are responsible for the safeguarding of ICH.

b. Very recently, MoCTCA has formed an ICH stakeholders group with the representatives of aforementioned institutions to carry out the activities without any delay and duplication.

c. MoCTCA is coordinating their actions related to ICH through regular meetings, exchange of information and preparation of action plans for the future.

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Policy, Legal and Institutional Challenges and Lessons Learned regarding the Implementation of the 2003 Convention

a. New comprehensive cultural policy is required for the safeguarding of ICH elements. It is difficult to segregate the domain of the elements for inventorying because of the heterogeneous nature of the settlements of the communities.

b. The other issues are related to the ground realities such as the nature of the erstwhile unitary composition of country with reference to the transition of the state from unitary to federal system.

c. The delineation of role and structure of the central, provincial and local authorities are overlapping. Allocation of resources especially financial and human is the main constraint.

d. Various ICH stakeholders are working in the inventorying and safeguarding process. Hence, coordination among the stakeholders seems challenging.

e. Focused and structured awareness and sensitization activities in the communities are highly recommended in order to engage them seeking their approval, as they are the practitioners and bearer of ICH elements.

Inventorying ICH, Information System and Lessons Learned

a. Inventorying, safeguarding and documentation works are being carried out through several organizations and individuals by trained staff of MoCTCA and the Department of Archaeology.

b. The importance of intergenerational transfer of cultural heritage was briefed through culture awareness programs in several districts and regions with the active participations of target communities focusing on:

Cultural policy with a focus on the potential of culture for creative industries

Promotion of festivals and rituals, languages and dialects, literature and folklore, traditional arts, performing arts, protection of indigenous culture

Information dissemination to the practitioner

Community participation for sustainable use

c. After adopting the ICH Convention in 2010, the Government of Nepal is making effort to

develop a standard inventorying system compatible to the prescribed UNESCO guidelines. The major tasks according to the 2003 Convention are the following:

Preparing inventories of ICH of 125 communities and groups with the prior consent and participation of the community

Supporting local institution in ICH activities

Urgent inventorying and safeguarding of the endangered ICH in the territory

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d. The major issues regarding the process of inventorying of ICH in Nepal are the following:

Lack of adequate awareness raising programs and capacity building

Lack of governmental funds to safeguard ICH

Ensure the participation of communities, groups and individuals in the management of their own ICH

Enhance human resources and take the advantages of the diversity of culture and the heterogeneous settlement pattern of people

Enhance activities in the framework of an intergenerational transfer of ICH

Lack of adequate relationship between cultural products and market

Lack of coordination between governmental authorities and other involved stakeholder, e.g. non-governmental institutions

Lack of sustainable management of ICH

Impact of globalization

Lack of national unity through cultural identity

Lack of feeling of ICH ownership by respective groups, communities and individuals

Nomination, Safeguarding and Periodic Reporting

In close cooperation, MoCTCA and UNESCO conducted a series of training workshops from 2012 for further elaborating on the 2003 Convention and its implementation for a better understanding and for focusing on the applied aspect of the Convention. Participants were chosen from different communities.

Some elements were identified for potential nominations. The government of Nepal intends to initiate the process for the nomination of ICH items for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

The major issues relating to inventorying ICH in Nepal is the identification of items for Good Safeguarding Practices, the Urgent Safeguarding List and nominations for the Representative List. MoCTCA assists the community members and practitioners for safeguarding the elements.

Being ICH practitioners, communities themselves are engaged in safeguarding practices through trained members of their communities. Likewise, various line agencies of governmental and semi-governmental agencies are also involved in safeguarding activities.

The major issues and challenges are the following:

a. Preparing the inventory

b. Identification of ICH elements for the Urgent Safeguarding List

c. Nomination of ICH elements to the Representative List

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d. Community seems more demanding rather than self-mobilization in safeguarding their ICH

e. Diversity and homogeneous culture scattered around the country

f. Migration and scattered settlements

g. Inadequate human resources to prepare the report/capacity development

So far, no document requested by UNESCO for the periodic reporting has been submitted. The report is under preparation by MoCTCA and it will be submitted by the end of the year 2017. For that purpose, the Ministry is coordinating with the concerned stakeholders both governmental and non-governmental.

Conclusions

With reference to the mentioned challenges the country is facing, the held meeting helped to envision Nepal’s approach to set up an inventory of intangible cultural heritage and to build up capacities on both national and local levels. In the long-run Nepal is aiming at preparing nominations for the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and at setting up of a stand-alone policy and safeguarding mechanisms on ICH.

References

a. The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO, 2003

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Country Report: Pakistan

Safeguarding ICH in Pakistan

Mr Nazir Ahmad Deputy Secretary, National History and Literary Heritage Division

Introduction/ Overall Country Situation

Pakistan has been blessed with immense cultural diversity. The historic sites of Ghandhara and Indus Valley Civilizations are in fact complemented by magnificent intangible cultural heritage comprising, practices, expressions, knowledge and skills, oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and festivals. Each Provinces of Pakistan has its own unique cultural traditions. The indigenous knowledge, traditions and expressions which developed over centuries through interaction of human being with their environment and guided our forefathers against hunger, disease, natural disaster, are our cultural heritage. We are of the firm belief that our cultural heritage is a guarantee of sustainable development. Therefore, we are committed to safeguard this heritage for the sake of continuity of our identity and sustainability.

Approaches/ Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework Concerning ICH

Pakistan ratified the UNESCO Convention, for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in 2005 and the erstwhile Ministry of Culture was assigned the business relating to ICH. As a result of 18th Constitutional amendment Act, 2010 the cultural subjects were devolved to provinces. However, there was a need of a focal point at federal level to fulfill international obligations and commitments. Therefore, National History and Literary Heritage Division has been created under Ministry of information, Broadcasting and National Heritage and assigned the business of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At Federal Level National Institute of Traditional and Folk Heritage (Lok Virsa) and Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) have been working with great commitment to promote the traditional and folk heritage along with Performing Arts.

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) is a specialized institution working for research, collection, documentation, preservation and dissemination of Pakistani traditions and culture. The intangible cultural heritage transmitted through oral means from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history. It provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for over all cultural diversity and human creativity.

Lok Versa Media Centre has the largest archives of folk music of Pakistan in all the regional languages. It has 1200 hours videos and 3500 hours audio recording of cultural traditions and folk songs. Lok Virsa also holds an annual National Folk Festival in April. The theme includes artisan at work and folk

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performances. This festival works as an instrument to introduce ICH to the visitors and thus helps in preservation and promotion of ICH.

Similarly Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) also plays its role in preserving, conversation and promotion of arts. During 2009-2011 PNCA, with the assistance of UNESCO carried out a project titled “National Intangible Heritage Archives”. Under this project 400-500 hours of classical musical Heritage has been preserved and archived along with dance, drama, Pakistani feature films/documentaries and old cultural programs of PNCA.The reference book “Who is Who” published under this project is a catalogue of all the renowned performing Artists of Pakistan and work of arts they have mastered during their professional career.

The Government of Pakistan considering the need to build greater awareness, especially among the younger generation, regarding the importance of the ICH and of its safeguarding, carried out a project “Integrating Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) into teaching and learning for promoting education for sustainable development” in collaboration with UNESCO Pakistan Office and THAAP, an NGO. Under this project the national team carried out a country wide sample survey to assess the situation of ICH awareness in education and learning. The survey comprised of tradition bearers, NGO’s, educators and curriculum developers, teachers, political advisors, media persons and policy makers. The findings were shared with UNESCO in June, 2013.

For the pilot activity under this project four schools from Lahore, two from Islamabad and three from Peshawar were selected as partners. The teaching modules were developed in participation with teachers, curriculum developers as well as tradition bearers. Pilot activity was carried out from June 2013 to January 2014. During this period draft guide lines were also prepared. The draft guidelines were reviewed by educationists, curriculum developers of the public sector and government education department in a meeting held on 6-7 February, 2014.Third and final review was held at Islamabad on 8-9 December, 2014 in an advocacy meeting representing all parts of the nation gave their agreement to use the National guidelines. These guidelines have been printed and distributed to all stakeholders for further necessary action. We are sure that this project will lead to safeguarding ICH in the Country.

After devolution of cultural subjects to the Provincial Governments, relevant institutions have huge responsibility to take up the challenge for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. However, they were lacking capacity in this Field. In order to coop with this situation, National history and Literary Heritage Division signed a Memorandum with CRIHAP, International Training Centre for ICH in Asia Pacific region under the auspices of UNESCO. Under this Memorandum a series of capacity building workshops on ICH are to be arranged. First capacity building workshop was arranged in Beijing from 17-23 December, 2015 on “Implementation of UNESCO’s Convention-2003”. Second Capacity building workshop was conducted in Islamabad from 12-18 December, 2016 on “Community based inventorying of the ICH” These workshops were attended by Federal and Provincial officers, students, representatives of the communities dealing with ICH. During this workshop the participants were provided hands on training. Moreover, in consultation with all stake holders a form ICH/CBI-001 for community based inventorying of the ICH was designed and finalized. Third Capacity building workshop will be arranged on “Preparing safeguarding planes” in November 2017.

For effective collaboration with provinces an ICH working Group has been constituted in the National history and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. TORs of this Working Group are:-

To expedite and facilitate the process of ICH inventory at National Level.

To access existing safeguarding system and recommend measures for improvement.

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To work in collaboration with UNESCO for implementation of Convention, 2003.

To initiate relevant measures for capacity building of the staff involved in ICH.

Consultation with NGOs, civil society and cultural partners to create awareness about ICH.

To expedite the completion of formalities required for inscription of ICH on World Heritage List.

To work with Provincial Governments on provincial inventory of ICH.

Institutional Challenges and lesson learnt regarding implementation of the 2003 convention

After devolution of the cultural subjects to provinces, there has been a great issue regarding effective coordination between federal and provincial governments. For a long time the scope of work of both was not clear. The provinces were assuming full autonomy whereas the International institutions were not ready to deal with the provinces because federal government is the state party to the Convention, 2003. Moreover, there was now approved cultural policy to channelize these issues. In order to meet with these challenges a number of meetings were held with the provinces and following decisions were taken for implementation of the 2003 convention.

a) All Provinces will establish ICH cells to deal exclusively with ICH and appoint focal persons for effective coordination between federal and provincial governments.

b) The provinces will identify ICH elements available in their territory, prepare their inventories, place them on the websites and share with the Federal government to formulate National Inventory of the ICH.

c) During workshop on community base inventorying of the ICH a way forward was approved for safeguarding of the ICH and a working group comprising representatives from the federal and all federating unit for its implementation.

d) Both federal and provincial governments may contact the communities concerned for safeguarding of the ICH.

e) It was decided that the provinces will forward the nomination dossiers to the federal government which will be examined at federal level. In case not in accordance with the requirement of UNESCO, it will be returned to the respective province to supply the omissions. Complete dossiers will be forwarded to UNESCO Headquarters for their inscription on the relevant list.

f) Federal government, in consultation with provinces has finalized the draft culture policy which will be soon placed before the Federal Cabinet for its approval.

Inventorying the ICH, Information system and Lesson learnt

According to Article 11 (b) of the 2003 convention, each state party has to identify and define the various elements of the intangible cultural heritage, with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non-government organizations.

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Article 12 (i) of the convention provides that to ensure identification with a view to safeguarding, each state party shall draw up in a manner agreed to its own situation one or more inventories of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory.

Article-15 of the Convention each state party shall endeavor to ensure the widest possible participation of communities group and when appropriate individuals that create, maintain and transmit such heritage and to involve them actively in its management.

Realizing the role of communities and non- governmental organizations we have actively engaged them in preparing the National ICH inventory of Pakistan. During capacity building workshop on “Community based inventorying of the ICH” participation of the community members was also ensured and a comprehensive form for inventorying the ICH elements was designed in consultation of all stake holders which has also been shared with them to use for preparation of the uniform ICH inventory in the whole country. So far as we have been able to inventories 45 ICH element which are online available in the “ichinventory.pk”

Nomination, Safeguarding and Periodic Reporting

We have been able to inscribe two multinational nominations Nouroze and Falconry on Representative List of ICH of Humanity. Recently a dossier of ICH element “ SuriJajek” traditional meteorological and astronomical practice based on the observation of the Sun, Moon and Stars in reference to the local topography.has been submitted for its inscription on the List of ICH in need of Urgent Safeguarding which has been accepted for consideration. Some information has been called for by UNESCO relating to this element and we are confident that it will be inscribed on USL of UNESCO

Preparing dossier of “Suri Jajek” was a joint effort of National History and Literary Heritage Division, Provincial Government of KPK and UNESCO Pakistan office in collaboration with an NGO i.e. THAAP. Participation of all community members was ensured for obtaining free, fair and informed consent of all representatives of the communities.

Conclusions

We are of the firm belief that objectives of the Convention on safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage can only be achieved with active participation of the communities concerned because they enact and transmit the ICH. They carry with them knowledge and skill for enacting and transmitting the ICH. It is their knowledge and they are its owner. Any safeguarding plan will fail without participation of the communities and their consent. Therefore, we are actively working on a project of capacity building of the communities concerned on inventorying their ICH. This project will also be carried out in collaboration with local NGO’s and the respective provincial governments. We are committed to achieve the above objective of safeguarding our rich intangible cultural heritage with the help of communities, provincial governments and International institutions. The regional cooperation will be a great help to achieve the objective of safeguarding ICH.

About the author

Name : Nazir Ahmad Designation Deputy Secretary (Heritage), Government of Pakistan Ministry/ Division National History and Literary Heritage Division E- mail address dsheritage2@ gmail.com Contact #. +92519222751, +923335377811

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Country Report: Sri Lanka

The Current Status and Challenges of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and measures to safeguard ICH in Sri Lanka

Mr W. Sunil

Director General, National Library and Documentation Services Board Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

Sri Lanka is a small island located in the Indian Ocean inhabited by a population of 20 million comprising different cultural entities and living in the country as one nation. The recorded history of the Island goes back to the 5th century B.C. According to the great chronicle “Mahavamsa”, the country was inhabited by an Aryan group of people led by Prince Vijaya. Prince Vijaya and his followers defeated the local communities called Yakka and Naga and made Aryan settlements along Malwathu Oya valley. The Buddhism introduced to the country in 3rd century B.C. by “Mahinda thero“, son of great Indian Emperor Ashoka. This incident resulted in serious cultural impact. The culture of the country completely changed with the introduction of Buddhism. Thereafter, the Sinhalese culture (Intangible and Tangible) was highly influenced by the Theravada Buddhism. Great pagodas, statues, sculptures, paintings, secular and religious buildings, cities, etc. have been constructed by the Sri Lankan Buddhists influenced by the Theravada Buddhist teachings. Time to time, the Island was invaded by South Indian Tamils and some Muslim communities settled down in coastal areas at their own wish. They came through silk route for commercial proposes. Europeans nations especially Portuguese, Dutch and English exercised their powers in the Island for about 400 years from 16th century to 20th century. The cultural context of the country completely changed during this period. Sinhalese culture is the main culture in the country. The Sinhalese community is about 14 out of 20 million population in the country. Tamil, Muslim, Burger and Malay communities live in the country in addition to the main community. The indigenous communities including Veddas as well as communities such as Kinnara (a community manufacturing kitchen utensils using reed), Gypsies (a community engaged in charms and performs cobra and monkey dances) are also living as small community in the country. A clear variation could be identified even within the similar communities in the ICH elements basing on the topography of the Island. Presently the country’s intangible cultural heritage is enriching having the major events of human life such as the birth, puberty, marriage and death completely embedded with the ICH. Their major occupation is in harmony with the set of ICH. Farmers follow set of ICH for plough, seeding, and harvesting. The fishermen follow set of ICH to get big fish harvest. Merchants use ICH to convert customers to their business and promote their products among clients. The native system of medicine is another ICH element in the country. It has transmitted from one generation to another by oral traditions. The plants grown in the environment are used for preparation these medicines. Most of the people are rely on in this system especially for genetically oriented diseases. Craftsmanship is another major ICH practice in the country. The traditional dancing, singing and playing games still performing in villages at leisure or at some special occasions of the communities.

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2. Approaches/Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework concerning ICH in Sri Lanka

2.1 National cultural policy in 2007

The National Cultural Policy was implemented under the Ministry of Culture and Arts in 2007, but this is not concerned much on ICH. Part ii, section 3 describes safeguarding policy of Arts and Crafts and actions would be taken to protect and develop sorts of traditional and here dietary arts and crafts and to advertise them nationally and internationally in a manner that would highlight their value.

Under the section 4 the Folk life described actions would be taken to direct all sort of cultural activities so as to enable the management of the cultural life of the common people in such a way that their life style is made easy and that benefits of all national and other development projects and accrued to them.

The Ministry of Culture and Arts is the responsible institution regarding this policy. About 150 cultural centers are set up Island wide to promote and educate the national culture to the younger generation. These centers provide platform for ICH practitioners to perform various traditions for public and educate the new generation. The ministry has setup folk music library with the assistance of Norwegian government. This library is strengthening its folk music collection every year collecting folk music in various part of the country. The Ministry started a new project for gathering of ICH information in 2012. The project commenced its activities from Matale district an area rich in ICH. ICH data gathered at southern part of the country in Galle district by this project.

A nomination to the UNESCO ICH representative list on traditional puppet art from the Galle district submitted this year.

2.2 Acts of protecting antiquities

Antiquities Ordinance No. 09 of 1940.

Recovery of government possession act No. 07 of 1979.

Antiquities (amendment) act No.24 of 1988.

Enhancement of fines (amendment) act No.12 of 2005.

Cultural Property Act No. 73 of 1988.

‘’Antiquity” is a word which includes any of the following objects laying or being found in Sri Lanka and has been in existence for more than one hundred years. Statues sculptures or dressed stone and marbles of all description, engravings, carvings, inscription paintings, writings and the material where on the fame appear all specimen of ceramic, glyptic, metallurgic and textile art, coins, gems, seals, jewels, jewelers, arms, tools, ornaments, furniture, household utensils and all other objects of art which are moveable property. An archaeological commission was appointed with a responsible person and the Department of Archaeology was to implement these acts.

The tangible objects interrelated with ICH elements such as traditional music objects, household utensils, agricultural utensils more than 100 years old are to be protected and safeguarded by this act. The Department of Archaeology is to do the excavations and conservation of archaeological sites in the country. The six world heritage sites namely Anuradhapura ancient city, Polonnaruwa ancient city, Sigiriya rock fortress, Kandy ancient city, Dambulla cave temple and Galle Dutch fortifications are systematically maintained and preserved by this Department. The Department made their fullest

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attention to safeguard tangible cultural heritage but intangible cultural heritage appears not within the purview. For example, when it comes to the protecting of Royal city of Kandy, the world famous ICH elements of Dalada pageantry were restored and got the attention of society and the government.

2.3 National Museums Ordinance No.31 of 1942

The National Museums were set up for collection, preservation and exhibition of objects of scientific, historical or artistic interest and for the maintenance of library of books and other documents relating to subject and matters of such interest. Seven National Museums are established across the Island to fulfill the vision and mission on the act. A folk museum in Anuradhapura was dedicated for collect, conserve and exhibit cultural and religious objects used by the folk community in Anuradhapura period. Anthropology division of the National Museum pays attention on cultural objects used by ancestors. Maintain huge collection of cultural objects (agricultural objects, household utensils, objects used for rituals, mask used by indigenous community, dancing costumes, musical instruments, objects used for traditional indoor games, weights and measures, objects used in fishery, indigenous medical objects) and conduct research on communities are main duties of this division. Those activities are progress in annually.

2.4 The National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973

The National Archives Law was first came into existence in 1973. This was amended in 1976 and in 1981. The section 6 of article Vii is related to ICH. An advisory council was formed to get the advices for the implementation of law. The responsible institute for the act is the Department of National Archives. The function of the advisory council is to advice the minister on the matters relating to the collection, preservation and use of public archives, the custody and transfer to public records, inspection and preservation of document and manuscripts of historical, cultural or literary value in private possession, inspection by members of the public of public archives, editing and publishing of public archives and private manuscripts. The preservation of documents meant by the act is not only paper base documents but also audiovisual material and modern computer generated records. This act mandated to preserve historical sounds records, music, video and manuscripts related to ICH. The Department of National Archives consists of thousands of folksongs, audio, video tapes on different types of ICH elements recoded in the past by field surveys. These valuable primary resources on ICH are useful for researchers to investigate the evolution or development of each ICH element by time and their social impact. Department of National Archives has launched a program to digitize their valuable collection with the objective of providing easy access to the public. The project was initiated with paper-based documents. The National Archives is dealing with some stakeholders and expertise to amend the National Archives Law to fulfill the present day needs.

2.5 National Library and Documentation Services Board Act No.50 in 1998

The Ceylon National Library Services Board act no. 17 of 1970, amended by the National Library and Documentation Services Board act no. 50 in 1998. Section 12 part iia and iib related to safe guard the ICH.

Section 12 Article ii (a)

To make available for the use of all sections of the community, a national collection of library and documentation resources appropriate to their needs.

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Section 12 Article ii (b)

To preserve the national cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through the establishment, development and maintenance of national collection of library and documentation materials, published in or relating to Sri Lanka; library and documentation materials mean any form weather written, printed, graphic, electronic, magnetic, optical or otherwise in or on which information or literary, creation or artistic ideas, are or may be recorded displayed stored or reproduced and include manuscripts, typescripts, books, newspapers, periodicals, maps, microforms, music, photographs, prints, drawings, cinematic graphs forms, sounds, audio recordings and video recordings and the expression.

National Library services Board started a magazine in 1983 named ‘’folklore”. This magazine created platform for the ICH researchers, practitioners and public to publish their findings on ICH. Unfortunately, the magazine was discontinued due to management problems. The National Library and Documentation Services Board received a project to collect ICH elements and data which are housed in government institution and to compile a sort of ICH inventory in the institutions under the government. The project was funded by UNESCO New Delhi office and commenced the project from department of National Archives to inventorize data on huge collection of folk music deposited in the National Archives in the form of magnetic tapes. Unfortunately, the Department reluctant to provide copies of ICH sound recordings to the project to create ICH automated database. An advisory committee was appointed by National Library for this project.

The committee selected Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation to collect ICH elements for the project as a subsidiary institution. The cooperation was not granted permission for the project. This project too was failed to achieve aims and objectives. The ICHCAP signed MOU with National Library to compile a country field survey report on ICH in 2011. Group of researchers conducted surveys and compiled a full report on ICH in Sri Lanka in 2011. That report was one and only comprehensive report published so far on ICH in Sri Lanka. It covers the regal entity on ICH in the country, the ICH related institution its present role and activities. The ICH elements are to be nominated for the UNESCO ICH representative list and urgent safeguarding list, major issues concerning safeguarding ICH. Then ICHCAP funded another project to compile a survey report on intellectual property issues related to ICH. The report was published by ICHCAP in 2012.

2.6 The Tower Hall Theatre Foundation Act No. 1 of 1978.

This act was amended in 1998. The objectives of the foundation are to encourage and promote national theatrical activities, to develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and practice on the theatre. The Tower hall theatre foundation made secured program to safeguard traditional performing art performing in theatre or stage as Nurthee Gee and traditional dancing.

2.7 Arts Council on Ceylon Act in 1958

The act describes to develop a greater knowledge understanding and practice of the fine arts, to increase the accessibility of works of arts to the public in Sri Lanka, to preserve, promote and encourage the development of such arts and crafts as are indigenous to Sri Lanka. Art council of Ceylon has set up several sub committees included expertise to achieve the prime objectives of the council, but council concern more on promotion Sinhala literature and modern arts rather than indigenous knowledge.

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3. Policy, Legal and Institutional Challenges and lessons learnt regarding the implementation of the 2003 Convention

There is no policy or act directly related to ICH is the major issue. Different types of institutions works on safeguarding ICH but not cover the all aspects of ICH and those institutions organize programs to safeguard ICH within provisions and limitation of respective acts.

Sri Lanka ratified the UNECO convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in 2008 but all the activities and programmes launched by ICH related institution may not fulfill the aims of convention. Lack of national policy act to safeguard the ICH in the country and absence of an independent institution responsible for ICH safeguarding in the country are big issues. Until establishment of independence institution for develop system or method for safeguarding ICH, the ICH National committee can coordinate all the ICH stakeholders to implement UNESCO ICH safeguarding convention 2003 in the country.

An ICH committee was appointed by National Library and Documentation Services Board in 2009 as a advisory committee to the project funded by UNESCO New Delhi office. This committee represents all the ICH related institutions. Secretary General of Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO chairs the committee. Other members are Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Arts, Heads of National Museums, Department of National Archives, Town Hall Theatre Foundation, National Craft Council, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Sri Lanka Rupavahini cooperation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, National Arts Council, and experts in the field Mr. Pandula Endagama (Anthropologist), Prof. Devika Jayathilake (Anthropologist), Dr. Jayantha Jayasiri (Anthropologist), and Dr. Danister Perera (Cultural Anthologist) and representative of indigenous (veddas) community. After completion of the assigned project from the UNESCO New Delhi office the committee discussed its scope, limitation and future activities. Committee realized almost all the ICH stakeholders are members of the committee and automatically it became ICH National Committee with consent of all stakeholders. All the stakeholder submitted their annual plans of ICH safeguarding activities to the committee. Committee provided advices and guidance as coordinator of ICH related institutions.

Ministry of Environment drafted a national policy of traditional knowledge and practice. The drafts was finalized with the cooperation of all the ICH stakeholders, experts and practitioners in 2014 before submitted to the parliament. Unfortunately, minister was changed due to political reason and the policy draft has not been progressed yet. This draft directly on ICH safeguarding and work on to implement ICH safeguarding convention adapted up UNESCO in 2003. A separate institution to be established for safeguarding ICH according to the draft policy. It is the real solution for the present situation.

4. Inventorying the ICH, Information System and lessons Learnt

Ministry of Culture and Arts jointly organized three consecutive workshops in Sri Lanka on the capacity building of UNESCO 2003 convention for the safeguarding of ICH in 2013 and 2014.UNESCO New Delhi office and the Japanese trust-in-trust funded the trainings. UNESCO expertise were the resource persons. This workshop serious fulfilled the knowledge gap to implement UNESCO 2003 convention in Sri Lanka. The ICH inventory should be prepared base on the administrative boundaries in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is divided into nine provinces each consists of several districts and that consisted several divisional secretaries. Divisional Secretariat governs several villages (Grama niladari divisions) head by village headmen. This means the smallest administrative institution for preparing inventory is Divisional secretariat. The cultural promotion officer is attached to each of Divisional secretariat. These officers can be used as working force for preparing ICH inventory from bottom to top level approach. When process the project ICH data from 14022 Grama niladari divisions channeled to respective divisional secretariats. Then data are filtered and send to the 24 districts secretariats to the preparation of

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provincial ICH inventory. In which ICH national committee can select suitable ICH elements for national inventory and finally the ICH elements can be proposed to UNESCO ICH lists from the ICH national inventory. 150 cultural centers across country can be used to promote ICH in respective province.

Second model for the preparation of ICH national inventory can be launched through public libraries in the country. Each district consists of number of local government department (Pradeshiya sahba, Urban Council, Municipal Council, which has legal administrative boundaries. Each local government department consists of number of public libraries and one library became the main library in that area. All of the ICH practitioners and their family members are the members of libraries and member of readers circle attached to each library. Librarians can be used as working force to preparation of ICH inventory. The ICH elements collected from local government departments channeled to Distract Secretariat and filtered and send to provincial library services Board to prepare provincial ICH inventory. National Library services Board can compile ICH national inventory with coordination of provincial library Services Board. So the National Library service Board can act as a focal point of ICH in the country. With change of new government ministry of education collaboration with UNESCO started an ICH policy mission program and a meeting was at ministry of education at Colombo in last January. An ICH policy is being compiled by UNESCO experts with the consultation of Sri Lanka government.

5. Nomination, Safeguarding and Periodic reporting

An ICH committee was appointed by National Library and Documentation Services Board in 2009 as a advisory committee to the project funded by UNESCO New Delhi office. This committee represents all the ICH related institutions. Secretary General of Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO chairs the committee. Other members are Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Arts, Heads of National Museums, Department of National Archives, Town Hall Theatre Foundation, National Craft Council, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Sri Lanka Rupavahini cooperation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, National Arts Council, and experts in the field Mr. Pandula Endagama (Anthropologist), Prof. Devika Jayathilake (Anthropologist), Dr. Jayantha Jayasiri (Anthropologist), and Dr. Danister Perera (Cultural Anthologist) and representative of indigenous (veddas) community. After completion of the assigned project from the UNESCO New Delhi office the committee discussed its scope, limitation and future activities. Committee realized almost all the ICH stakeholders are members of the committee and automatically it became ICH National Committee with consent of all stakeholders. All the stakeholder submitted their annual plans of ICH safeguarding activities to the committee. Committee provided advices and guidance as coordinator of ICH related institutions.

ICH national inventory making effort is not progress properly yet but the ICH national inventory exits under the national library and documentation services board as it is the focal point of ICH program in the country at present. There are two elements exits in the ICH national inventory (www.natlib.lk). They are angampora) is an ancient Sri Lankan indigenous martial art and Traditional string puppet drama of Sri Lanka.

Ministry of education collaboration with ICH National committee submitted a nomination on Traditional string puppet drama for the UNESCO ICH Representative list of Humanity in March 2017.Nomination process completely coordinated by national Library and documentation services board. Expert in field engaged in this process.

Traditional string puppet drama is a form of folk puppet drama performed employing dialogues, songs, and narrations taken from either handwritten or orally maintained scripts to convey moral messages or innocuous entertainment to primarily rural communities, especially during festive times in the months of April, May, and June. Making of puppets is an important craft involving the carving of body parts separately from wood and joining them together, polishing and painting, and dressing. Felling of a tree

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to obtain the wood precedes by a traditional ritual performed by the master puppeteer making offerings to invoke any deities (tree gods) who live on the tree and protecting it, and appealing it to move to another tree instead.

Rūkada Nātya is a type of drama performed using string puppets, traditionally meant for providing innocuous entertainment and conveying moral lessons to village communities. Themes are chosen from folktales, Buddhist stories, ancient literature, historical narratives, and the trivia with humorous anecdotes from contemporary life or from nādagam, an extinct form of ‘folk opera’. Puppeteers prepare their own handwritten scripts with dialogs and songs, and recite them, while manipulating the puppets.

Puppeteers make their own wooden puppets with movable joints that represent either ‘static roles’ with fewer movable joints and of near life-size, or ‘active roles’ with many movable joints and of 3.5’ to 4.5’ height. Puppets are dressed with colourful costumes that identify the characters they portray. Puppeteers manipulate them using strings tied to single short bars or two crossed-bars held by hand, while standing on an elevated horizontal platform and leaned onto a horizontal bar that is fixed across the stage about the shoulder-height of the puppeteers. A small band of musicians provides accompaniment using a harmonium, a violin, and a drum.

Performances are held as community events at public spaces suitable for community gathering, mostly during festive times in the months of May and June, while special shows are held at schools and higher educational institutes. Makeshift stages, made of wooden frames and covered with black curtains on all sides to camouflage the strings to create an in illusion of reality. Performances are held in evenings in a well-covered space under dim light to enhance the illusion.

6. Conclusion

Even though several audience and government institutions related to ICH exist in the country, UNESCO ICH Conversion 2003 is not implemented properly. The ICH National Committee coordinated all ICH Stakeholders and their ICH related activities at present. When the ICH policy is finalized, UNESCO ICH Convention 2003 will be implemented properly for the safeguard of ICCH Sri Lanka.

7. About the Author

W Sunil, Director General, National Library and Documentation Services Board Sri Lanka. I obtained my first degree from the University of Colombo in 1995 and Master of Arts degree from University of Buddhist and Pali Sri Lanka in 1999. I jointed the National Library and Documentations Services Board (NLDSB) in 1997. I proceeded to do my Masters in Library and Information Science at the University of Malay, Malaysia in 2002. Currently I am the Director General of the NLDSB Sri Lank and Secretary of the National Committee of the ICH.

References

1. Basic Population Information 2012, Department of census and statistics,2013,Colombo 2. Cabral,U 2013, ICH Inventory making efforts, ICH Courier,vol.17,Octomber,ICHCAP,Korea 3. Endagama,p & Cabral, U 2012, Intellectual property survey report 2012,ICHCAP,Korea 4. Endagama,p (ed.) 2011, Intangible Cultural heritage Safeguarding in Sri Lanka, ICHCAP, Korea 5. ICH National Committee minutes, 2008-2014 National Library and Documentation Service Board

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4.2 Expert Report

Expert Report from Korea

The Status of Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage Act and Inventory-making

Mr Yang, Jinjo

Senior Arts & Culture Researcher, National Intangible Heritage Center, Korea

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) teaches us valuable lessons with its internal values; it is also a medium that connects the past, present, and future and is the origin of creative ideas.

In 1962, “Cultural Heritage Protection Act” was established and promulgated to provide legal bases for the safeguarding of ICH. Following the establishment of the Act, Jongmyo Jeryeak, or the Royal Ancestral Ritual Music, was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 1 in 1964, and the

Identification System of Important ICH Skill Holders (중요무형문화재 보유자 인정제도) was created in

the 1970s. Additionally, in 1982, a holder-focused transmission system was established, and successor training became mandatory for the holders. In the 1990s, Intangible Cultural Heritage Division was founded at Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and Certification System of Honorary Holders was developed in 2001. Finally, in 2013, National Intangible Heritage Center (NIHC) was inaugurated to promote the safeguarding, transmission, and exchange of ICH. The Center is a place where people can gain hands-on experience on various ICH activities including performance, exhibition, education, research, and international exchange.

In 2015, it became possible to designate elements without holders, and “Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage” was implemented in 2016.

New Intangible Cultural Heritage Act

In March 28, 2016, the Korean government implemented a new ICH act to advance the ICH safeguarding and management system. The government aimed at newly establishing a policy framework and ICH safeguarding system, in accordance with the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and strengthening numerous policies to enhance societal demands for ICH.

“Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage” includes 58 Articles, 10 chapters (Chapter 1 General Provisions, Chapter 2 Formulating and Promotion of Policies on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chapter 3 Designation, Etc. of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chapter 4 Recognition of Holders, Group Holders, Etc., Chapter 5 Successor Training and Public Presentations, Chapter 6 City/Provincial government Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chapter 7 Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chapter 8 Implementation of UNESCO Convention, Chapter 9 Supplementary Provisions, and Chapter 10 Penalty Provisions), and 7 addenda.

According to Article 1 of the Act, its purpose is to “promote the cultural enhancement of citizens and contribute to the development of human cultures by creatively transmitting traditional culture and

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enabling the citizens to utilize such traditional culture through the safeguarding and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.” Also in the General Provisions, “the basic principle of the safeguarding and promotion of intangible cultural heritage is to maintain the archetype of intangible cultural heritage, giving due consideration to the following: 1. Cultivation of the national identity, 2. Transmission and development of traditional culture, and 3. Realization and enhancement of the value of intangible cultural heritage. The term “archetype” refers to unique value, technique, or knowledge that has to be realized and maintained during ICH transmission from generations to generations.” (Article 2, Enforcement Decree of the Act)

The terms that should be noted are “creatively” and “archetype.” Until now, many holes were found in the ICH system that was based on conservation of original forms. In the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is defined that ICH provides communities with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity; therefore, ICH is a concept that is opposed to conservation of original forms and is relevant to the emphases on individual and community participation as well as education.

Following the establishment of ICH Act, many legal bases were changed. The new Act was revised in agreement with these changes and its characteristics are as follows:

1. Expansion of ICH Safeguarding

The scope of ICH safeguarding was expanded after ICH Act was established, making it possible to designate and safeguard various fields including traditional knowledge, oral culture, and traditional ways of life, in addition to existing craft and performing art skills. As a result, elements that receive public attention and have potential to be developed as cultural heritage elements are identified and reviewed by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee to be designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2. Designation of National ICH in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

The Korean government established a legal basis for designation of national ICH in need of urgent safeguarding in order to enhance the effectiveness and satisfaction of ICH designation support and improve customized assistance by stage depending on environments and situations of transmission. In particular, ICH in danger of disappearance can be designated as National ICH in need of urgent safeguarding to receive comprehensive support. One example of the support is a system that entails discovery and fostering of successors and improvement of transmission environments based on in-depth analysis and consultation per element.

3. Variation of Transmission System

The transmission system includes both transmission education based on apprenticeship and through university. The system aims at moving away from the current apprenticeship-based education and linking with university education so that young and talented successors can be introduced through various paths. By varying the introductory paths of potential holders, safe transmitting environments and a foundation for transmission can be built. Universities that are selected by the government to offer successor training are required to create official curricula that allow students to take ICH training for 3 years with additional 21 course credits. The successor training provides an opportunity for the students to be certified trainees and possibly become future successors.

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4. Enhancement of Traditional Craft Product Certification System and Bank of Traditional Craft Products

To improve self-sustainability of traditional craft products, the government has implemented promotion policies that focus on improving various indirect support projects that are intended to increase demands. The Traditional Craft Product Certification System and Bank of Traditional Craft Products have been implemented to enhance customer trust and sales in traditional craft products. Development of new designs and integration of individual craft projects, such as Grand Exhibition of Korean ICH, have been carried out to maximize the synergies among the projects. Also, the government provides start-up business consultation to successors to vitalize local economy through job creation.

5. Justification Enhancement of Successor Evaluation through Execution of Successor Evaluation and Certification Issuance by Cultural Heritage Administration

were previously responsible for conducting successor evaluations and issuing certificates for completion of successor training. However, NIHC under CHA is now in charge of these tasks to increase transparency and objectivity of the certificates, thus, improving skills of certified trainees and justification of the certificates. Elements for evaluation are selected based on demand surveys of holders and group holders, and successors of the elements are evaluated after submitting their evaluation applications.

The newly-revised ICH Act not only make ICH more accessible to the public but also offer a guidelines for the international community to devise effective policies to promote ICH safeguarding.

Inventory-making

Inventories should be first priority when safeguarding ICH. According to Article 12 of UNESCO 2003 Convention, “each State Party shall draw up, in a manner geared to its own situation, one or more inventories of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory. These inventories shall be regularly updated.” Therefore, inventory-making is the most basic part of safeguarding activities that identify and formalize the existence of ICH that are transmitted in States Parties.

Following the designation of Jongmyo Jeryeak (the Royal Ancestral Ritual Music) in 1964, an inventory for 137 elements including Haenyeo (Korean female divers), which was designated in 2017, was created. Indicators for inventory-making are transmission value and an environment in which ICH can be effectively transmitted. The value can be measured based on indicators, such as historicity, scholarship, artistry, and representativeness. The environment is determined based on sociocultural value and sustainability. The process of inventory-making is written in regulation of national ICH element designation and holder identification (Cultural Heritage Administration Instructions no. 388). First, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee yearly reviews and establishes plans for national ICH designation. Every year, the plans is posted on the website of CHA for over 30 days until January 31. Once applications for ICH designation are submitted on the authority of a city mayor or provincial governor, a survey group is organized. The group is consisted of 5 or more experts in relevant fields and conducts paper-based survey, field survey, in-depth study, etc. After completing the surveys, reports are drafted and reviewed by the Committee. Report results are graded based on the indicators and presented as items, but only the results that received 60 points and above are put on the table for discussion. The elements reviewed by the Committee for designation are announced on the official gazette for 30 days and longer to notify the public and receive opinions. Within 6 months from the final day of the announcement, the Committee decide on the designation after due consideration. Finally, upon the

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finalization of the decision, the elements are designated by announcing on the gazette, holders or owners are notified of the result, and letters of designation are issued.

<Status of National ICH Elements and Successors as of June 30, 2017>

Category Type

Traditional performance

& arts

Traditional craftsmanship

Traditional way of life

Ritual & ceremony

Traditional games &

martial arts

Traditional knowledge

Oral

tradition and expressions

Total

Designated Element 39 51 3 15 16 1 - 125

Sub-element 46 51 5 18 16 1 - 137

Successor

Holder 67 66 4 16 18 - - 171

Assistant Instructor of Successor Training

173 50 1 37 28 - - 289

Certified Trainee 4,364 608 29 470 573 - - 6,044

Total 4,604 724 34 523 619 - - 6,504

Group Holder 32 1 1 18 14 - - 66

Honorary Holder 6 6 - 4 4 - - 20

Successor Scholarship Recipient 21 58 - - 2 - - 81

Basic/General Lists and Preliminary Lists

Following the implementation of “Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage”, the scope of ICH has been expanded. In response to the increased need of ICH designation, ICH lists are created to record information of national ICH. Since 2015, 43 experts from various fields have organized 7 meetings to make records of over 1,800 heritages. Based on the records, 53 experts from 20 ICH areas created basic ICH lists. The lists include ICH names, categories, types, summaries, successors, successor groups, succession areas and methods, practices and characteristics, future directions for surveys, research results, pictures, etc. NIHC has developed and implemented 10-year plans for a comprehensive ICH survey by category that are based on lists of over 1,800 heritages; the survey focuses on the current status of ICH transmission. In 2017, the Center is currently carrying out a pilot survey for agronomics and fisheries in Jeonnam area (Southern-west part of Korean Peninsula). The survey reports, videos, pictures, and other information will be uploaded in “Korean ICH Information System” and managed as archives.

Preliminary lists are created to systemize the designation process of national ICH. This year, more than 100 elements will be selected to be on the list, and it will be developed to improve rationality and predictability of designation. The elements will be selected from 1,800 elements which included in the basic list. Previously, survey plans for designation were made based on requests of local governments every year; thus, it was difficult to ensure objectivity of reviews conducted by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee and obtain enough information on elements. To overcome these challenges and

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expand the preliminary lists, CHA are to establish “Regulations on Management of National Lists”. Elements on the lists are reviewed for designation; the lists are updated every 5 years.

Step List Item Period Department

Step 1 Basic List Over 1,800 In-depth study and archiving every year

Research & Archiving Division, NIHC

Step 2 Preliminary List Over 100 Announced every 5

years Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, CHA

Step 3 Designation List

137 Elements

1-2 elements designated every year

Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, CHA

Management of National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Designated national ICH are managed in five ways:

1. Successor Training

For the safeguarding and promotion of national ICH, national ICH holders and holder groups are required to conduct successor training (Article 25, Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage). They have to submit successor training plans and results reports to Administrator of CHA until January 31 of the year after and until the end of January 31 of the year, respectively. They can submit their training plans and reports in an electronic format. They can also receive a certain amount of financial assistance in accordance with “Regulations on Provision and Management of National ICH Transmission Aids”

2. Periodical Survey

The Korean government has to conduct periodical surveys on the status of succession activities and other relevant matters every 5 years. The information obtained from the surveys are used to establish plans for the safeguarding and promotion of national ICH. The periodical surveys include information on national ICH holders and holder groups, current status of craft and performing art skills of assistant training instructors, successor training, transmission activities, training facilities, management and operation of training funds, etc. The results of the periodical surveys are used to build basic information for policy development and create effective management systems for successors.

3. Monitoring of Public Presentation

National ICH holders and holder groups, except in exceptional circumstances prescribed by Presidential Decree, have to make public presentations of ICH at least once a year (Article 28, Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage). They can decide on the period of the presentations with consideration of the characteristics of their ICH, but they should make it easier for the public to participate and view the events. However, in case of craft art, craftwork should be presented for at least 3 days. Performing art presentations should feature “songs in their entirety”, and craft presentations should showcase “craftwork that demonstrate practice of traditional craft skills.” The holders and holder groups can request financial support to NIHC by submitting their presentation plans. The Director-General of NIHC can provide such support with the consideration of element characteristics, event size, number of participants, etc. Through monitoring of the presentations, materials for ICH safeguarding and transmission can be obtained and enhance ICH transmission systems.

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4. Survey and Archiving

The current status of ICH locations, transmission activities, and other relevant materials are surveyed, documented, recorded, and archived (Article 48, Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage). The materials that are recorded, photographed, video-recorded, and written in shorthand are used for successor training and related contents. Research & Archiving Division of NIHC is responsible for building and managing an archive for all the documented materials.

Support for National Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Korean government provides five different types of support to designated national ICH.

1. Support for Start-up Business of National ICH successors and Production of ICH products

The government support ICH successors with start-up businesses and production of their crafts to contribute to their self-reliance and industrialization of the ICH products. The assistance is given to the successors so that they can partner with designers for their products. Also, one-on-one mentoring consultations between successors and experts are organized to give helpful tips on developing start-up business models.

2. Bank of Traditional Craft Products

7 experts assess and certify craftwork by ICH successors. All the products are sold at ICH craft shops and presented at exhibitions. The Bank provides opportunities to sell, rent, and exhibit craftwork to promote craft making activities and enhance value of traditional culture. This system leads to a circular flow of craft art activities by building a foundation for advertisement of Korean culture at the international level and demand creation for traditional craftwork.

3. Support for ICH Performance and Exhibition

Within the available budget, public presentations, such as performance and exhibitions, mandatorily receive financial assistance. For instance, in case of craft art, the NIHC purchases entries of the National ICH Successor Exhibition and prize winners of the Grand Exhibition of Korean Craft Art. Also, necessary support is given for distribution and production of craftwork as well as market expansion. In case of performing art, support is provided for traditional art performances, thematic events, and on-sight ICH events. Additionally, permanent performances, which are organized every Saturday, and performance contests for certified trainees are other examples of support provided to identify new promising elements and successors.

4. Support for Successor Training Facility

Currently, support is offered to 152 successor training facilities that operate various training programs throughout the country. In addition, financial assistance is provided to found a new facility and repair existing buildings. By allowing people to use the facilities for free contributes greatly to transmission activities.

5. Globalization of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The main goal is to contribute to promoting cultural diversity by designating Korean traditional culture. Currently, Korea’s 19 elements are designated in UNESCO’s

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representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. By 2018, the government plans to designate Ssireum, wrestling, as the next element in the UNESCO list.

NIHC invites foreign ICH holders and holder groups whose elements are inscribed in UNESCO’s representative list of ICH of humanity to Korea. This will encourage exchanges between Korean and foreign ICH successors. In addition, efforts are exerted to promote overseas expansion of Korean ICH successors and craftwork. The focus on the overseas expansion helps spread value of Korean ICH throughout the world, increase its international competitiveness, and identify new entry strategies for the overseas market. Moreover, embassies and consulates regularly organize “Korean ICH Week” events including exhibitions, demonstrations, and performances. Participation at various overseas exhibitions, expositions, and fairs is one way to publicize Korean ICH and promote overseas expansion.

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4.3 Presentations

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5. Annex I: List of Participants

A. Country Representatives

SN Name/Designation/Affiliation Contact

1

Dr Yonten Dargye Head of Research and Media Division, National Library and Archives, Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs Royal Government of Bhutan

Taschchho Dzong Thimpu, Bhutan Tel: 00975-2-325316/324314 Cell: 00975 17685785 Email: [email protected]

2

Mr Ibrahim Mujah Head of Heritage Section, Department of Heritage, Ministry of Education Republic of Maldives

G. Gulshan Villa Anoana Goalhi Male, Maldives Tel: 00960 7775810 Email: [email protected]

3

Mr Bharat Mani Subedi Joint Secretary, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Government of Nepal

Sinha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 4211909 Ext. 417 Cell: 00977 98 41 15 83 59; 98 51 17

83 59

Email: [email protected] Email:

[email protected]

4

Mr Nazir Ahmad Deputy Secretary (Heritage), National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Government of Pakistan

3rd Floor, Evacuee Trust Complex, Agha Khan Road F-5/1 Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: 0092 51 922 2751 Cell: 0092-333-537-7811 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

5

Mr W. Sunil Director-General, National Library and Documentation Service Board Ministry of Education Sri Lanka

No.14, Independence Avenue,Colombo-7 Sri Lanka Tel: 0094 11 2687581 Fax: 0094 11 2685201 Cell No.: 0094 714452244 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





tel:071%20445%202244


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B. Experts/Moderators/Rapporteurs

SN Name Designation/Affiliation Contact

1

Ms Shubha Chaudhuri Expert Associate Director General (Academic) Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology American Institute of Indian Studies, India

Email: [email protected]

2

Ms Ritu Sethi Expert Chairperson Craft Revival Trust India


3

Mr Jin Jo Yang Senior Researcher, National Intangible Heritage Centre Republic of Korea

Tel: 0082 63 280 115

Cell: 0082 10 5871 4519


4

Mr Bhim Nepal Expert Nepal

Tel: 00 977 1 4476543 Cell: 00 977 98 41 57 38 85 Email: [email protected]

5

Prop Prem Kumar Khatry Expert Nepal

Cell: 00977 98 51 00 20 28 Email: [email protected]

6

Mr Danister L. Parera Expert Sri Lanka

Cell: 0715655618, 0779119723

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]







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C. UNESCO


1.

Ms Duong Bich Hanh Programme Specialist for Culture Chief Culture Unit UNESCO Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand


2.

Ms Nipuna Shrestha UNESCO Kathmandu

Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: 00977 555 4396 Ext: 26 Email: [email protected]

3.

Ms Leire Beltran Sagaseta UNESCO Kathmandu


4.

Ms Neerana Shakya UNESCO Kathmandu


5.

Ms Sujata Khanal UNESCO Kathmandu


6.

Ms Kabita Tamang UNESCO Kathmandu






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7.

Mr Alfonso Cobo UNESCO Kathmandu


8.

Mr Sam Leigh UNESCO Kathmandu


D. International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP)


1.

Dr Seong-Young PARK

Assistant Director-General,

ICHCAP

Korea

Tel: 0082 63 230 9703


2.

Ms Boyoung Cha

Section Chief, Cooperation and

Networking, ICHCAP

Korea

Tel: 0082 63 230 9720


3.

Ms Gyeonga Kang

ICHCAP

Korea





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E. National participants


1

Mr Abhijeet Thapa

Assistant Professor, Department

of Nepalese History, Culture and

Archaeology, Tribhuvan

University

Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur Tel: 00977 1 433 19 76 Cell: 00977 98 41 57 87 59 Email: [email protected]

2

Dr Balkrishna Ranjit

Director

Nepal Music Centre Trust

GPO. Box: 20105, Pingalasthan, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00 977 1 446 54 63 Cell: 00977 98 41 27 16 59 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

3

Mr Bhishma Banskota National Reconstruction Authority

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu Cell: 00977 9841700521 Email:[email protected]

4

Mr Bishnu Bibhu Ghimire

Vice Chancellor Nepal Academy

Kamaladi Road, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 4224590 Cell: 00977 98 51 20 89 09 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

5

Mr Chandra Prasad Tripathee Culture Expert Former Deputy Director General of the Department of Archaeology

285 Baburam Acharya Sadak,

Sinamangal, Kathmandu-9

Tel: 00977 1 4485070 (Res)

Cell: 00977 98 51 09 26 33


6

Ms Chandra Shova Shakya Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City

Lalitpur, Nepal Cell: 00977 98 41 53 11 49 Email:[email protected]





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7

Mr Damodar Suwal

Bhaktapur Municipality

Vyasi, Bhaktapur, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 661 03 10 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

8

Mr Dandu Sherpa (Dhokpya) Vice-President Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities


9

Mr. Dharma Raj Shakya President, Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal

Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 424 42 31, 424 54 67, 424 54 67 Cell: 00977 98 51 05 81 33 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

10

Mr Dipak Bohara Administrative Officer, Nepal Music and Drama Academy

Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 4428404, 4428405 Cell: 00977 98 51 06 58 16 Email: [email protected]

11

Mr Gokul Prasad Dura Dura Service Society Dura Community


12

Mr Hari Prasad Bhattarai Associate Professor, Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University

CIPN House, Baneshwor Kathmandu, Nepal Tel.: 00977 1 411 75 88 Cell: 00977 98 41 89 27 51 Email: [email protected]

13

Mr Hitkaji Gurung

Information Officer, National Foundation for the Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN)

Sanepa, Lalitpur Tel: 00977 1 555 31 46 Cell: 00977 98 41 48 90 15 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]










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14

Mr Jang Khaling Rai Kirant Rai Khaling Utthan Sangh

Juling, Solukhumbu Kirant Rai Khaling Utthan Sangh Cell: 00977 98 49 18 39 55 Email: [email protected] Field INV in Solukhumbu, Haleshi Workshop 2017

15

Ms Jayanti Shrestha

Archaeology and Heritage Section, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu

Tel: 00977 1 4211596 Cell.: 00977 98 41 57 97 90 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

16

Mr Jaya Ram Shrestha Chief National Museum

Museum Road, Chhauni Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 427 14 78, 42715 04 Cell: 00977 98 41 37 57 20 Email: [email protected]

17

Ms Karuna Nakarmi Archaeology and Heritage Section, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation


Tel: 00977 1 421 15 96 Cell: 977 98 49 11 23 00 Email: [email protected]

18 Mr Krishna Kumar Prajapati Madhyapur Thimi Municipality

Madhyapur Thimi, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 663 00 46 Cell: 00977 98 41 48 83 29

19

Ms Leela Pathak Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation


Tel: 00977 1 421 15 96

Cell: 00977 98 41 02 70 28

20

Ms Madhu Shahi Kantipur Dainik

Cell: 00 977 98 43 49 69 58 Email: [email protected]





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21

Mr Naradmani Hartamchhali Nepal Academy of Fine Arts

Sita Bhawan, Naxal, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 4411645 Cell: 00977 98 49 44 53 66 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

22

Mr Om Prasad Pandey Section Officer, Ministry of Supplies


23

Ms Paramita Kandel Archivist Music Museum of Nepal

Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: 0977 1 424 27 41

Cell: 00977 98 43 09 07 02

Email:

[email protected]; ;lokbaja

@gmail.com

24

Mr Prakash Dangol Tokha Municipality

Tokha, Kathmandu Cell: 00977 98 41 54 49 87 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

25

Ms Pratishara Manandhar Assistant Director, Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal

Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 424 42 31, 424 54 67, 424 54 67 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

26

Mr Raj Kumar Suwal Central for Intellectual Property Nepal

CIPN House, Baneshwor Kathmandu, Nepal Tel.: 00977 1 411 75 88 Cell: 00977 98 51 09 99 73 Email:[email protected] ; [email protected]

27

Mr Rajendra Dahal Guthi Sansthan

Tripureswor, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 4257491 Cell: 00977 98 41 45 00 50 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]








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28

Mr Rajendra Sigdel Registrar Nepal Copyright Registrar's Office, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 444 37 50 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

29

Mr Rajesh Thapa Culture Corporation

Jamal, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 422 47 60 Cell: 00977 98 51 18 46 46 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected]

30

Dr Ram Dayal Rakesh Member, Culture Committee, Nepal National Commission for UNESCO

Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal Cell: 00977 98 51 09 20 71 Email: [email protected]

31

Mr Ram Krishna Maharjan Photographer Archaeology and Heritage Section, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 421 15 96 Cell: 00977 98 41 33 84 38 Email: [email protected]

32

Mr Ram Prasad Sapkota Under Secretary, Culture Section, Culture Division Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 421 19 09, Ext. 305 Cell:00977 97 41 15 18 19 Email: [email protected]

33 Mr Ramesh Man Dangol Kirtipur Minicipality


34

Ms Sabina Maharjan

Section Officer, Heritage Section Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City

Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 552 25 63 Cell: 00977 98 41 21 74 21 Email: [email protected];










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35

Ms Sabitri Paudel Ministry of Industry

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 4211579 Cell:00977 98 41 82 32 09 Email: [email protected]

36

Ms Samjhana Maharjan Journalist, Radio Sagarmatha FM


37

Ms Sarita Awale Jyapu Samaj, Yala, Lalitpur

Tel: 00977 1 5545312

Cell: 00977 98 41 75 01 88


38

Ms Shriju Pradhan Heritage Division, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Bagdurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 423 14 81 Cell: 00977 98 51 06 87 47 Email: [email protected];

39

Ms Shubhadra Bhattarai Archaeological Officer Department of Archaeology

Ramshah Path, Kathmandu

Cell: 00977 98 41 36 27 80


40

Mr Sujindra Maharjan Information Officer Kirtipur Municipality

Kritipur, Nepal Tel: 00977 1 433 16 93 Cell: 00977 98 51 16 44 55 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

41

Ms Suman Bajracharya Director Department of Information

Sanchar Gram, Tilganga, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 4112551, 4112816, 4112717 Cell: 00977 98 41 29 78 68 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]



tel:00977





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42

Mr Suresh Subedi Section Officer, Ministry of Industry

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu Tel: 00977 1 4211579 Cell:00977 98 51 16 40 00 Email: [email protected]

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Annex II: Meeting Programme

Schedule

Wednesday, 16 August 2017

9:00 – 9:15 Registration

9:15 – 10:00 Inaugural Programme

Chair by: Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint- Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal

9:15 – 9:25 Opening

A recitation of Mangalacharan

Lighting of Sukunda jointly by

Chief Guest, Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and

Dr Seong-Youg Park, Assistant Director-General, International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP)

9:25 – 9:30 Welcome remarks

Ms Nipuna Shrestha UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

9:30 – 9:45 Remarks

Dr Seong-Yong Park Assistant Director-General, International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP)

Ms Duong Bich Hanh Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture UNESCO Office in Bangkok

9:45 – 9:50 Opening remarks

Chief Guest, Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

9:50 – 10:00 Vote of thanks and closing remarks

Chair, Mr Bharat Mani Subedi Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

10:00 - 10:30 Group Photo followed by Tea Break

10:30 – 15:00 Session I. Policy, legal and institutional situation in South Asia: Approaches and challenges of safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at national level

Moderator: Mr Danister Perera, Expert (Sri Lanka)

Rapporteur: Mr Bhim Nepal, Expert (Nepal)

10:30 – 11:00 Introducing the 2003 Convention and latest developments in the life of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Ms Duong Bich Hanh, Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Office in Bangkok

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11:00 -11:25 Bhutan: Dr Yonten Dargye, Head of Research Division, National Library and Archives, Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs

11:25 – 12:00 India: Representative

12:00 – 12:25 Maldives: Mr Ibrahim Mujah, Head of Heritage Section, Department of Heritage, Ministry of Education

12:25 – 12:35 Q & A

12:35 – 13:35 Lunch Break

13:35 - 14:00 Nepal: Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

14:00 – 14:25 Pakistan: Mr Nazir Ahmad, Deputy Secretary (Heritage), National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage

14:25 – 14:50 Sri Lanka: Mr Sunil Walimunige, Director-General, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Ministry of Education

14:50 – 15:00 Q & A

15:00 – 15:15 Tea Break

15:15 – 16:45 Panel Discussion I. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future directions from policy, legal and institutional perspective

Moderator: Mr Danister Perera, Expert, Sri Lanka Panel: Country Representatives and Experts Rapporteur: Mr Bhim Nepal, Expert (Nepal)

15:15 – 15:30 Short presentation by Mr Danister Perera, An overview of the Policy Impact on ICH Safeguarding and Sustainable Development

15:30 – 16:00 Discussion among the panel members

16:00 – 16:30 Addressing questions from the audience

16:30 – 16:45 Summary outcome presentation by the Moderator

16:45 - 17:30 Information Session

ICHCAP’s ICH safeguarding activities in the Asia-Pacific region through information sharing and Networking Ms Boyoung Cha, Section Chief, Cooperation and Networking Section, ICHCAP

Thursday, 17 August 2017, DAY 2

9:00 – 11:15 Session II. Sharing experiences: Inventorying the ICH, information system and lessons learnt

Moderator: Prof Prem Khatry, Expert, (Nepal)

Rapporteur: ICHCAP

9:00 - 9:20 Keynote presentation on inventorying the ICH in the spirit of the 2003 Convention Ms Shubha Chaudhuri, Expert (India)

9:20 – 9:35 Bhutan: Dr Yonten Dargye, Head of Research Division, National Library and Archives, Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs


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9:50 – 10:10 Q & A

10:10 – 10:25 Nepal: Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation


10:40 – 10:55 Sri Lanka: Mr Sunil Walimunige, Director-General, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Ministry of Education

10:55 – 11:10 Q & A

11:10– 11:30 Tea Break

11:30– 12:40

Panel Discussion II. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future directions on ICH inventorying in the spirit of the 2003 Convention and managing information at national level

Moderator: Dr Seong-Yong Park, Assistant Director-General, ICHCAP Panel: Country Representatives and Experts Rapporteur: Ms Ritu Sethi, Expert (India)

11:30 – 11:55

Short presentation by Mr Jin-Jo Yang, The Status of Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage Act and the Inventory-making




12:40 – 13:40 Lunch Break

13:40 – 15:20 Session III. Sharing experiences: Towards the nomination, safeguarding and periodic reporting

Moderator: Ms Nipuna Shrestha, Chief of Unit, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

Rapporteur: Ms Shubha Chaudhuri, Expert (India)

13:40 - 14:00 Keynote presentation on good nomination process, safeguarding practices and guidance on periodic reports preparation: Ms Ritu Sethi, Expert (India)

14:00 – 14:10 Bhutan: Dr Yonten Dargye, Head of Research Division, National Library and Archives, Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs


14:20 – 14:30 Q & A

14:30 – 14:40 Nepal: Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation


14:50– 15:00 Sri Lanka: Mr Sunil Walimunige, Director-General, National Library and Documentation Services Board, Ministry of Education

15:00 – 15:15 Q & A

15:15 – 15:30 Tea Break

15:30 – 16:45

Panel Discussion III. Addressing the challenges: Feedback and future

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directions on nominations, safeguarding and periodic reporting

Moderator: Ms Duong Bich Hanh, Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Office in Bangkok Panel: Country Representatives and Experts Rapporteur: ICHCAP

15:30– 15:40 Short presentation by Ms Duong Bich Hanh, An overview of Nominations and Periodic Reporting




16:45 - 18:00 Concluding Session

The way forward: Action plan for ICH Safeguarding in the South-Asia

Moderator: Mr Danister Perera and Ms Shubha Chaudhary Panel: Country Representatives and Experts Rapporteur: Ms Ritu Sethi

16:45 – 17:45 Goal orientation for the way forward: Drafting Action Plan

17:45 – 18:00 Endorsement of the Action Plan

18:00 Closing Programme with traditional performances from the community practitioners followed by a Closing Dinner hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal

17:45 – 18:00 Registration

18:00 – 18:30 Closing Programme

Chair by: Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal

18:00 – 18:10 Remarks

Mr Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Special Guest, Respected Dr Satya Mohan Joshi, Eminent Culture Expert of Nepal

18:10 – 18:20 Experience sharing

Ms Shubha Chaudhuri, Expert (India)

Dr Seong-Yong Park Assistant Director-General, International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP)

18:20 – 18:40 Traditional cultural performances

Khya Kawan Pyakha with Dhime music and Jyapu dance by Newar Community from Jaypu Samaj, Yala, Patan Kauda dance by Magar Community

18:40 – 18:45 Vote of thanks

Ms Leire Beltran Sagaseta, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

18:45 – 19:00 Concluding remarks

Chief Guest, Mr Jitendra Narayan Dev, Hon. Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Chair, Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

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19:00 onwards Closing dinner hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal

Note: The purpose of the Panel Discussion is to convene country delegations and experts to:

Identify challenges and opportunities faced by the ICH sector on the <the topic> within the sub-region.

Develop proposal for action at national and/or sub-regional level with a view to operationalizing the recommendations, suggestions and measures for the <the topic>

Identify needed assistance from UNESCO and other partners to undertake these actions

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Annex III: Short Biographies

SPEAKERS SHORT BIOGRAPHY

1 Dr Yonten Dargye

Research Specialist Research and Media Division National Library & Archives Department of Culture Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs Bhutan

Dr Yonten holds a Ph.D. Degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of Delhi,

India (1997). He is currently working as a Research Specialist in the National

Library & Archives in Bhutan. He has coordinated research and publication of

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan including many other publications. He also

has contributed many articles in intangible heritage of Bhutan such as rituals,

ethics, social practices etc. and papers on intangible heritage in

seminars/conferences.

2 Mr Nazir Ahmad

Deputy Secretary (Heritage) National History and Literary Heritage Division Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pakistan

Mr Nazir Ahmad is the Deputy Secretary of National History and Literacy Heritage

Division of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in

Pakistan. He is heading the ICH working group. He has also worked with UNESCO

Office in Islamabad in different projects for safeguarding of ICH in the country.

3 Mr Walimunige Sunil

Director-General National Library and Documentation Service Board Ministry of Education Sri Lanka

Mr W. Sunil is the Director-General at the National Library and Documentation

Centre in Sri Lanka. Mr Sunil holds Master's Degree in Arts from the University of

Buddhist and Pali, Sri Lanka. Mr Sunil is currently the Secretary of the National

ICH Committee of Sri Lanka.

4 Mr Ibrahim Mujah

Head, Heritage Section Department of Heritage Ministry of Education Maldives

Mr Mujah is currently a Photographer and Head of the Heritage Section in

Maldives. He has worked in the capacity of a photographer in different sectors in

Maldives such as Department of Heritage, Ministry of Legal Reform, Arts and

Culture, Television etc.

5 Ms Ritu Shethi

Expert India

Ms Sethi is a Chairperson at Craft Revival Trust since 1999. She has been a

member of ICH expert committee and reviewed many dossiers for the Government

of India. She was the Chairperson at the Consultative Body in India for the

Nomination to the Urgent Safeguarding List in 2010-2011.

6 Mr Bharatmani Subedi

Mr Subedi is a Joint Secretary at the Culture Division of the Ministry of Culture,

Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal. He is the responsible person for the overall

226

Joint Secretary Culture Division Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Singhdurbar, Kathmandu Nepal

management of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the country both at national and

local levels. The major duties are to plan and coordinate intangible cultural heritage

management and development activities in the areas of responsibility.

7 Dr Seong-Yong Park

Assistant Director -General ICHCAP Korea

Dr Park is an international expert and scholar in the cultural heritage field, who

earned his Ph.D. Degree from the University of Queensland, Australia, in Heritage

Studies. He is currently an Assistant Director-General of ICHCAP, a UNESCO

Category 2 Centres in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 48 Member

States in Asia-Pacific region. He is also an Expert Advisor of the Korean Cultural

Heritage Committee.

8 Ms Shubha Chaudhuri

Expert

India

Dr Shubha Chaudhuri is an Associate Director General (Academic) at Archives

and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, American Institute of Indian Studies in

New Delhi. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Linguistics and is the Director of the

Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology since 1982. Dr Chaudhuri is a

UNESCO accredited trainer on ICH for the Asia and Pacific Region. She has

conducted four training workshops in Nepal since 2012- 2016.

9 Ms Boyoung Cha

Section Chief Cooperation and Networking Section ICHCAP Korea

Ms Cha is currently the Chief of Cooperation and Networking Section of ICHCAP,

a UNESCO Category 2 Centres in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In

addition, she was a project officer at Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation and

worked at a preparatory office for the establishment of ICHCAP since 2007. She

attained a Master's Degree in Korean Folklore at the Chung-Ang University in the

Republic of Korea. Since she joined ICHCAP, she was involved in organizing

various ICH sub-regional regional activities.

10 Mr Jin Jo Yang

Expert Korea

Mr Yang is currently a Senior Art and Culture Researcher at Research and

Archiving Division, National Intangible Heritage Centre, Korea. He has got his

Ph.D. Degree in Classical Literature Study from Chung-Ang University Korea in

2001.

11 Mr Danister L. Perera

Expert Sri Lanka

Danister Perera is an expert on traditional medicine. He has worked for the World

Bank project on inventory of traditional medicine. He has attended all the

UNESCO training workshops; has also done paper for UNESCO on the current

legal / policy framework governing ICH in Sri Lanka.

12 Ms Duong Bich Hanh

UNESCO Office in

Bangkok

Ms Duong Bich Hanh is the Chief of Culture Unit in the UNESCO Bangkok Office.

She has been working to promote the ratification and implementation of

UNESCO’s six cultural Conventions- including the 2003 ICH Convention and

coordinating a number of regional projects in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific.

She is especially interested in promoting the role of culture and cultural heritage,

both tangible and intangible, in sustainable development and in ensuring that local

communities both participate and benefit from the protection of their own heritage.

Ms Hanh is an Anthropologist with extensive knowledge and experience in

Southeast Asia and international development.

227

NEPAL EXPERTS SHORT BIOGRAPHY

1 Prof Prem Kumar Khatry

Expert Nepal

Prof Khatry holds a Ph.D. Degree from the University of California, USA, in Cultural

Anthropology, 1986. Prof Khatry has served the Tribhuvan University, Nepal in

various capacities – Dean of Humanities Faculty; Head of the Department, Central

Department of Nepali, History, Culture and Archaeology; and Executive Director,

Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies. He has authored more than 20 books in English

and Nepali language in culture and has published many articles. Currently, he has

been providing advisory services to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil

Aviation, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and Nepal Academy.

2 Mr Bhim Prasad Nepal

Expert Nepal

Mr Bhim Nepal holds Master’s Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. Mr Nepal

is one of National Culture Experts of Nepal. He has co-facilitated the UNESCO ICH

all the series of training workshops held in Nepal along with the UNESCO accredited

trainers. Recently, he has facilitated a community-based ICH identification,

inventorying and safeguarding workshop in Halesi, Khotang in Nepal which was a

great success. He has been providing advisory and consultancy services to

UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture and other stakeholders.

228

Annex IV: Speeches

[Welcome Remarks]

Nipuna Shrestha UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

Respected Chairperson, Mr Bharatmani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,

Chief Guest, Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal

Honourable, Mr Seong-Yong Park, Assistant Director-General, of the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO-ICHCAP, Korea

Distinguished delegates and experts from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Korea,

Dear Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar and Good Morning!

On behalf of the organisers, it is my pleasure and privilege to extend a very warm welcome to this “2017 Sub-regional Network Meeting on Intangible Cultural Heritage in South Asia”.

It is a great privilege that the Secretary, Mr Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Ministry of Culture/Nepal, Mr Seong-Yong Park, Assistant Director-General, ICHCAP/Korea, and his colleagues Ms Boyoung Cha, and Ms Gyeonga Kang are here with us today. We are also joined by my colleague from UNESCO Bangkok - Ms Dong Bich Hanh Han (Duong Bich Hanh), Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture.

Our sincere appreciation to the ICHCAP for their efforts in various information sharing and networking activities to safeguard intangible culture in the Asia-Pacific region. We are seeing growing cooperation through ICHCAP in the region. This meeting is one of them, thanks to ICHCAP for their generous funding support to make this happen.

I wish to thank the South Asian delegates and experts who travelled all the way to Nepal to attend this meeting, and we are equally thankful to the participants and experts from Nepal for their valuable time in this important gathering.

I am convinced of the power and diversity of culture, which has brought us together for dialogue. I am also convinced that we can do more, harnessing the mutual learnings and capitalising on UNESCO’s net-work of partners and experts, to support member states in the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in this region and across the world.

The 2003 Convention is a dynamic tool and the only international instrument that aims to safeguard in-tangible heritage, ensuring the respect to communities, groups and individuals.

The Convention provides a unique platform to ensure the inter-generational transmission of intangible heritage, and by doing so, to improve the social and cultural well-being of communities, towards innova-tive and culturally appropriate action; thereby contributing to sustainable development.

229

We have come a long way since the adoption of the Convention in 2003. It has achieved a lot to date, in terms of:

raising the visibility of Intangible Heritage and the appreciation of its importance, and,

providing opportunities for much needed awareness with regards to safeguarding practices and aspects of culture at risk of disappearing

We are aware that tremendous efforts have been made by member states following the ratification of the Convention; a number of countries seem to be engaged in setting up new cultural policies and laws related to Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Other countries are revising their cultural heritage laws to include Intangible Cultural Heritage. Many nations are also looking into setting up government institutions or Intangible Heritage departments within their cultural heritage frameworks, or looking at inter-agency cooperation and a community-based approach. In some cases they have decentralised their cultural heritage policies to respective provinces, and even allocating budgets in that respect.

However, in the light of rapid development, threat of natural disaster or intentional destruction, and amid increasingly globalised societies, implementing the Convention has become an exciting profession-al challenge to member states; in particular to the countries in the South Asia, with a greater risk of los-ing the lesser known aspects of their intangible culture.

Countries in this region share diverse and very rich living cultures, and face more or less similar condi-tions due to the limited resources and trained workforce.

Little effort has been made to link safeguarding of this heritage to other important domains of develop-ment such as health, education, food security and agriculture.

Challenges also persist in building up a systematic framework, both legal and institutional, and establish-ing or elaborating national policies and programmes which support, protect, promote and safeguard the vast diversity of cultural traditions and practices; recognising its dynamic nature and its capacity to change and adapt.

It is within this context that this 2 day network meeting is being co-organised by ICHCAP and UNESCO jointly with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal.

It aims to foster international collaboration, build and strengthen international and regional networks of experts and government stakeholders, and to support member states in the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention in South Asia.

The similarities the countries in this region share are an added value to work towards the common goal and achieve the objectives of the meeting.

Exchanging expertise, information and experiences, in terms of policy and the country's processes in identification & inventorying, including measures undertaken, with an aim of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage, are among the main agendas of the meeting.

The meeting, therefore, is a unique opportunity to share and exchange experiences concerning the im-plementation of the 2003 Convention at a national level.

I hope that this event will:

steer towards meaningful exchanges over the next 2 days,

230

create a foundation to reinforce regional networks, and,

bring in constructive multinational / bilateral international cooperation and actions in achieving good safeguarding practices in the region in the days to come

Let me assure you, we at UNESCO, together with our partners, stand ready to support member states.

In concluding, on behalf the UNESCO Representative to Nepal, Mr Christian Manhart, who is out of country and could not join us today, I wish you all the best for the success of the event.

Although unfortunately Government Representatives from Bangladesh and India could not make it this time, we hope there will be other opportunities in the future to continue our exchanges together again.

Thank you, and I wish the delegates and experts a pleasant stay in Nepal.

Thank you, Dhanyabad!

231

[Opening Remarks]

Seong-Yong Park, Ph.D. Assistant Director-General, ICHCAP

Your Excellency Mr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal,

Distinguished delegates,

Honorable invited experts and Ms. Hanh from UNESCO Bangkok Office,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Namaste,

I would like to sincerely thank all the participants and presenters for taking part in “2017 Sub-regional ICH Network Meeting in the South Asia”. I would like to also extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and distinguished delegates for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the meeting. I am especially delighted to be here in this beautiful country, home of Mount Everest, also known as “Forehead in the Sky”.

ICHCAP has been implementing various information-sharing and networking projects to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacific region. In relation to South Asia, in particular, we held the 2015 Intangible Cultural Heritage Symposium for South Asia in Bhutan and the 2016 South Asia NGO Meeting in India to promote safeguarding of South Asian ICH and regional partnership.

Today’s meeting is organized with the goals to strengthen the existing cooperation among South Asian States and contribute to building a foundation for information-sharing to achieve ICH safeguarding as well as Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the adoption of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, many UNESCO States Parties are carrying out diverse ICH safeguarding activities. Although they are exerting multifaceted efforts to safeguard ICH, that is the source of cultural diversity and a means of ensuring sustainable development, they are faced with challenges in building and executing international cooperative work among regions and countries. Particularly, South Asia countries have been transmitted various ICH from generation to generation. ICH communities and bearers are transmitting their unique ICH; however, they are experiencing difficulties in safeguarding ICH in a systematic manner. In the midst of globalization and rapid cultural and industrial development, the lack of expertise and resources are becoming constraints in establishing a systematic framework and national policies for ICH safeguarding.

Today’s meeting co-hosted by ICHCAP and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as well as UNESCO Kathmandu Office is especially valuable to all of us because it provides opportunities to foster ICH experts and build a cooperation network. By sharing information on ICH safeguarding activities and institutional, legal and policy status of other countries, I hope that we will be able to devise strategies and plans for facilitating ICH inventory-making and safeguarding measures development as well as ICH visibility raising in our societies.

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In closing, I would like to thank staff members of UNESCO Kathmandu Office for their tireless efforts in preparing this meaningful event. I hope that your interest and passion will lay the foundation for ICH safeguarding and regional cooperation in South Asia.

Thank you. Dhanyabad.

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[Remarks] (Retrieved from the audio)

Duong Bich Hanh Chief of Unit and Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Office in Bangkok

I am honored to join you here today in Kathmandu on behalf of the Secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage also known as 2003 Convention.

I wish to thank the co-organizers - Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and ICHCAP - for this important initiative, which brings together the representatives of South Asian sub-continents to exchange information, share experiences and debates solutions to address challenges as the country moves forward in the implementation of the Convention.

I believe that you all are, as I am, grateful for this opportunity where we can once again, express and renew our commitment to safeguard our living heritage, the bridge from the past to the future, a foundation for wisdom upon which we build sustainable development for all.

As my colleague Nipuna has remarked, we have come a long way since the adoption of the 2003 Convention. Together, UNESCO and member states have introduced international standards, increased international cooperation for the exchange of experiences and capacity building. We have created tools and lists to demonstrate the diversity of this heritage, to mobilize assistance for its safeguarding, to raise awareness about its vulnerability. Our tireless efforts have contributed to shaping a new global understanding of heritage beyond monuments, beyond artifacts, to include living heritage recognizing these as a force of innovation, social transformation and sustainable development.

This new approach, we put communities and people first as custodians and as bearers of cultural expressions. UNESCO member states of the South Asia sub-region have an incredible wealth of cultural heritage. They also have incredible wealth of experiences in safeguarding the heritage over the centuries. The globalization today, however, no longer allows the governments to work on their own.

Addressing current global challenges of migration, conflict of disasters require to unite to strengthen cooperation at all levels. This is the spirit of the Convention and this is the very spirit, ICHCAP, the International Information and Networking center for Intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region has been established.

I would like to express my gratitude to ICHCAP for being UNESCO trusted partner. ICHCAP has organized a number of workshops, meetings and events and helped to build and strengthen the network of policy makers, academics, experts and practitioners across the sub-regions to contribute to safeguarding our heritage for the generations to come. Also in the spirit of international collaboration, I wish you a very successful meeting. I look forward to the discussion over the next two days, and to sharing the experiences gained in this meeting with other collogues from other sub-region.

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[Opening Remarks] (Transcribed from the audio)

Shankar Prasad Adhikari Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal

Very good morning and Namaste to you all!

Mr Chairman, Ms Doung Bich Hanh from UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, Nipuna Shrestha, UNESCO Kathmandu, Dr Seong-Yong Park, International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asia –Pacific Region -ICHCAP, experts, distinguished guests, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Academy, members of various academies in Nepal, participants, ladies and gentlemen.

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to be here with you in this auspicious event of Sub-regional Intangible Cultural Heritage Network Meeting in the South Asia: Exchanging countries’ experiences, concerning the implementation of the 2003 Convention at national level.

This significant program in the sub-region is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal in close cooperation with the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asia – Pacific Region – ICHCAP. I hope, it will be more useful for all the participants from different countries of the sub-region.

After ratifying the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in 2010, the Government of Nepal has been conducting different activities and programs for the implementation of the Convention. Special focus has been given to inventorying of such heritage. A series of workshops on intangible cultural heritage have been organized by Government of Nepal in close cooperation with UNESCO. The workshops focused and discussed on theoretical aspects in the beginning and discussions were made on basis of practical issues in the later, which were significant pathways for safeguarding cultural heritage in Nepal context.

This network meeting is therefore slightly different from previous series of workshops that we will have discussions and sharing experiences from the participants’ own context. As we all are aware that heterogeneity is one of the major characteristics among our cultural heritages, Nepal is striving for maintaining unity among the diversity.

In the context of Nepal, we are preparing a standard prime inventory of intangible cultural heritage. The government authorities, stakeholders and communities have been engaged in the Safeguarding of the ICH elements. Our next important responsibility for safeguarding ICH is to prepare a list of intangible heritage elements for Representative List well. In this context, the experiences of the countries in the region would be the best reference to prepare them.

I expect, through this meeting, that Nepali participants will learn a lot from the participants and the experts from the sub-region countries. I hope, at the end of this meeting, a milestone declaration will be made as a result of fruitful discussions, experience-sharing and mutual understandings, to set up an international cooperation mechanism and as a network system for safeguarding intangible cultural heritages across South Asian countries that will be the everlasting mechanism in our context.

At the end, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu; and International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asia –Pacific Region - ICHCAP for the generous support to conduct this meeting.

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I would also like to thank the experts and scholars, official representatives from SAARC and Sub-regional countries, distinguished guests and all the participants for your participation and wish for your active participation to achieve meetings’ goal and successful completion of this meeting as well. The delegates and the participants from sub-regional countries, I hope your stay in Nepal will be more pleasant in homely environment.

With this thank you all.

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[Vote of Thanks] (Transcribed from the audio)

Bharat Mani Subedi Joint Secretary, Culture Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal

Good morning and warm greeting to all of you.

Chief Guest, honorable Mr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, honorable Vice-Chair Mr. Bhishnu Bibhu Ghimire, Ms Doung Bich Hanh, UNESCO Regional Office Bangkok, Ms Nipuna Shrestha, UNESCO Office Kathmandu, Dr Seong-Yong Park, Assistant Director-General, International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asia –Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO -ICHCAP, participants, experts, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to attend this inaugural ceremony of the Sub-regional Intangible Cultural Heritage Network Meeting in South Asia concerning the implementation of the 2003 Convention at national level. The very event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, UNESCO Office Kathmandu and International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asia – Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO -ICHCAP.

In this moment, I would like to express my warm welcome and sincere thanks to all the participants for making the event successful. The objectives of the meeting is to share the experience of the participating SAARC countries in the areas of intangible cultural heritage especially for inventorying and safeguarding.

In the same way, the other objectives are exchange knowledge, good practices and lessons learned on polices, country processes and concerning inventory making, preparing nominations to the UNESCO ICH list and safeguarding measures undertaken. The other one is discussion of the modality of future networking to exchange information and knowledge concerning the safeguard of the ICH and develop national plan for future national level collaborative work for ICH safeguarding in South Asia.

The two-day meeting also continue until tomorrow will focus on three different sessions. The session one will deal with the policy, legal and institutional mechanism in South Asia, approaches and the challenges of the ICH at the national level. Second session will focus on sharing experience, inventorying the ICH, information system and lesson learned. Likewise, the third session will focus on the sharing of the experiences towards the nominations, safeguarding and periodic reporting.

During the two-day meeting, I am sure that we will discuss in the three thematic areas by sharing the countries perspectives to foster the ICH inventorying and safeguarding in the regional basic.

In order to bring ICH related activities on the right track, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal and the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu organized a series of training-workshops. The workshops has specific objectives of providing trainings for the required human resource persons for the ICH activities, such as awareness raising, inventorying, safeguarding and nominations. Five such workshops have been successfully carried out.

After the ratification of the 2003 Convention in the year 2010, the main focus of the government has been to prepare the inventory of ICH. Due to diversity of culture, it is relatively difficult to capture all elements of ICH. The government of Nepal is supporting the communities to inventorying and safeguarding. The output and final action-plan of this meeting would be one of the significant valid reference tools to safeguard the ICH element in Nepal and South Asia region.

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Last but not the least; I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the participants, experts, dignitaries for the active participation in this meeting. My sincere thanks goes to the official and volunteers of UNESCO Office in Kathmandu. The meeting would not have success without the support of the ICHCAP, therefore I would like to thank ICHCAP as well. I hope this sort of support would continue in the days to come to foster the inventorying and safeguarding of the ICH elements, which are the common property of the human kind.

I wish you pleasant stay in Kathmandu and thank you very much.

And, I hereby declare that the inauguration session is over and after this session we will have group photo session here. We will have tea break. After tea break, we will resume another session of meeting.

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[Keynote Speech] (Transcribed from the audio)

Sharing experiences, good nomination process, safeguarding practices and guidance on periodic report preparation

Ritu Sethi Expert, Chairperson, Craft Revival Trust, India

More than a decade ago, the term ICH is almost unknown. Yet it is today recognized as the valuable and integral part of international, regional and national discourse around the definition and meaning of the living people and living heritage. The countries of this region are early acceptors of the 2003 Convention with an admirably rapid ratification - India, Pakistan and Bhutan in 2005, Sri Lanka by 2008, Bangladesh in 2009, and Nepal by 2010, whereas, Maldives is in process of ratification.

Further, within our region, there has been some success in the nomination process. Bangladesh has three elements inscribed on the Representative List with two ongoing, Bhutan has one, India has 12 elements inscribed including one multinational nomination, one ongoing nomination and seven in the bedrock. Pakistan has two multinational nominations and one ongoing. Sri Lanka has one ongoing nomination. Afghanistan has one multinational nomination.

Two features stand out in these nominations.

The first is that all 18 nominations and all those currently in the pipelines are the Representative Lists of the ICH - all the elements demonstrating incredible diversity of heritage and raise awareness about its importance. Yet the state party in this region still has to open its account in the list of Urgent Safeguarding (USL). The USL list comprises those elements of ICH that require urgent measures to keep them alive. And, in the shadow of the monsoon rain that is overcast the sky around us, we all have several elements in our region that can benefit highly on this list. As we need to keep in mind, the inscriptions here also has to mobilize international cooperation and assistance to stakeholders to undertake appropriate safeguarding measures. In addition, while this region has exemplary examples of best practices, there is no nomination ongoing or in the bedrock for Register of the Safeguarding Practices that contain programmes, projects and activities, that best reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention.

The second striking feature is that of the multinational inscriptions that we have in this region. This is not an easy nomination. So it is doubly laudable, reflecting as it does for shared heritage across this region, demonstrating historic links, community-connects and more than anything else, cooperation between countries. Now there is online resource that has been established on the ICH website. State parties can announce the intention to nominate elements and other state parties can learn of opportunities for cooperation in elaborating multinational nominations. So, there are perhaps now greater opportunities for us.

I brought up an NGO, the Craft Revival Trust, and I have been fortunate to be associated with UNESCO from the very first year of our founding in 1999. In addition, I had incredible good luck for being associated with ICH concept- Convention from its inception. Having served on both sides of the nomination process, first by being part of very first of consultative bodies and eventually chairing it and last few years advising the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for their nomination files. In addition, in 2017 advising Sri Lankan experts, on their nomination of traditional property. Some of my learnings of a good nomination process are reflected in the very principles that are annunciated and

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enshrined in the introductory text of the 2003 Convention that broaden more traditional view of heritage and introduce the number of significant concepts related to ICH.

I highlight here some of the key conceptions that are relevant to the topic on hand. The first, being the understanding that communities lies at the core as they are the real bearers of ICH and i.e. heritage is defined in terms of the community. The second aspect is the emotion that the culture is living and revolving as it is transmitted from one generation to another. And, the third being the concept of safeguarding as a measure aimed at ensuring the visibility of ICH, by remaining relevant to this community without fixing or freezing through the continuing transfer of knowledge, skills, meaning while communicating it to the future generations.

Additionally, the concept of sustainable development is now center stage. The article 2.1 dedicated to definition of ICH of the Convention that stipulates that consideration will be given solely to such ICH as is compatible with existing international human rights instrument as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups, individuals and a sustainable development. And, there, ladies and gentlemen, lies the key for good nomination and safeguarding process.

There are however some further practical pointers that I add here. As already stated the good nomination process lies the involvement and participation of the community that practices and value the elements. Thus, their widest possible contribution is essential. This contribution will need to extend and take into account a stratified nature of community with a nuances of age and gender factors in it, and specific the women participates in practices and transmission.

And, similarly in the case of younger person, there will be need to develop methodologies singular, perhaps, in each case by which their participation can be mobilized and their consents are received. Indeed, communities and groups of practitioners need to figure in the entire process, from the identification of element, inventorying, initiation and elaboration of nomination to plan for safeguarding and implementation. And, they are all conscious that the long-term viability depend on this participation. Similarly, the importance of transmission for the formal and non-formal education and training need to be taken into account with strategies that balance efforts and strengthen the knowledge and skill for younger members to practicing communities with measures in creating broader public awareness on the significance of the element nominated.

Moving to the aspect of the safeguarding, though there is a difference, and we know it, between urgent safeguarding and the term safeguarding measures, for unlike the more demanding and rigorous safeguarding plans require for the Urgent Safeguarding List. The elements even proposed for the Representative List because of the very nature of list are likely to include those that at the time of the nomination are vibrant and viable, though, perhaps some may include elements that are in need of some form of safeguarding at the time of nomination. Yet in the nomination form, there is a necessity to describe how the state party will seek to ensure that the element maintains or even strengthen in current condition.

As for the USL, the nomination to the Representation List cannot be the first measure taken towards safeguarding, but needs to be one of the part of the longer safeguarding process of measures planed. And this does have to be demonstrated that the community or transmitters and the practitioners together with the state have already started their engagement and resolve towards safeguarding the heritage. This commitment needs to be presented in the nomination. This explanation of past precedence will transform the base and complement future commitment demonstrating clearly that a nomination to a list is not an end itself, but a process that is being undertaken towards its element’s sustainability and safeguarding.

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Furthermore, the concerns of sustainable development and plan for capacity building and knowledge transfer need to be attained too. This increased emphasis and attention of this aspect within the nomination has had its weightage enhanced in 2016.

The nomination, now, clearly highlights and integrates considerations of requirement of sustainable development proposed including economically viable practices alongside the other four key dimensions of sustainable development. From the first, inclusive social development which includes the themes of food security, health care, access to clean and safe water, sustainable use, quality education etc.; the second, being environmental sustainability with the themes of environmental impact, community-based resilience to natural disaster and climate change; the third, inclusive economic development with its theme of generating income and sustainable livelihood, productive employment and decent work; and, the fourth, is the peace and security.

Last, but requiring attention, is the basic technical requirements of a good nomination that includes keeping within the word count, the attachment of clear evidence of free prior and informed consent and provision of documentary evidence that demonstrates the nominated element is included in the inventory of ICH present in the country. Further, once key element is on the list, the file is open to worldwide online public scrutiny as a permanent record. It is thus essential to take care of the drafting of the information with no grammatical mistakes, clarity of thoughts and language. It is also necessary to watch up gaps of information and explanation to translation of vernacular words to a logical flow of thoughts in sequencing and representing facts with coherent and consistent information throughout the nomination without inconsistencies from one section to another, or aspects that within it, in addition, improve the nomination for a better processing by examiners. Also of importance is a use of the vocabulary that avoids expressions such as authentic, original, pure, true, essence that are inconsistent with the spirit of the Convention.

In my discussion with colleagues in ICH world, they have common noted that the strengthening capacity to training and documentation of best practices for not only the effective implementation of the Convention but additionally enhancing capacities and while many countries have embraced this task with the spirit of the Convention, it is a relatively new subject for many of us. I think, that is why, this whole networking and information sharing is so vital and critical for all of us who have been involved for the way forward.

The last part that I was requested to talk about is on the aspect of the Periodic Reporting. This process as we have seen in its best manifestation, yesterday and today, is a state party self-assessment of their implementation of the Convention and evaluation of the safeguarding capacities, report and the inventories, and updates of the status of nominated elements and the cultural policies and laws introduced following the ratifications. These periodic reports, thus, maps the results achieved at each of these levels and effectiveness of the mechanism used to support for the implementation of the Convention. While many state parties in other parts of the world have integrated the Convention’s provisions in cultural policies and laws following ratification, a lot more need to be done to establish the required legislative and policy environments. Both as it relates to the laws and policies in the field of ICH as well as to those in a field of sustainable development that have a bearing on the implementation of the 2003 Convention, this is one of the areas where we need capacity building support from the experts and from UNESCO. This is also often coupled with the lack of financial and human resources to successfully implement this aspect and it will meet the challenge, both at the governmental and non-governmental and community level.

In conclusion, I will say that in 2003 this path-breaking Convention significantly broaden the concept of cultural heritage. Thus, it is not quite so new anymore. And, the credit for this, to a large extent, goes to UNESCO, to its field Offices, to the UNESCO category II Centers, to its rapid acceptance by national

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parties that are signatories to the Convention, civil society and more than anyone else to practitioners, the transmitters and audiences; the holders of the ICH themselves. There is an urgency of endeavors ahead of us in the face of threats to living heritage and its crucial building blocks and step forward towards developing a sound foundation to further the recognition, revitalization and safeguarding of the living vibrant intangible heritage of this region and the fulfillment of the objectives of the countries.

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[Vote of Thanks]

Leire Beltran UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

Respected Chair Mr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Respected Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Distinguished international country representatives, Officials of MoCTCA, and other participating honored guests representing different ICH related institutions from Nepal.

Dear participants,

On behalf of the organizers, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and UNESCO office in Kathmandu, I, Leire Beltran would like to extend our thanks to all of those who have been involved in making this sub-regional meeting a great success.

The two days Sub-regional meeting has been conducted to meet UNESCO’s main line of action “Supporting and promoting, the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and the development of cultural and creative industries” which is one of the priorities at the culture sector in South Asia. Its aim is to support member states in safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage through effective implementation of 2003 convention, thereby contributing to Sustainable development.

I should start thanking each contributors who have directly and indirectly put their effort to make this huge success. The officials from the Ministry of Culture our Head Quarters and field colleagues who have coordinated the participation of member countries and other friends that have contributed in many ways to bring this event to this stage of success.

The International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia- Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO, ICHCAP has played an invaluable role through its funding support without which this sub-regional meeting would not have been possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Assistant Director-General, ICHCAP Dr Seong- Young PARK and ICHCAP colleagues: Bo- Young Cha and Gyeong- A Kang, for your generous support.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all national and international experts: Mr. Bhim Nepal, Mr Danister Perera, Mr Prem Kumar Khatry, Ms Ritu Sethi, Ms Shubha Chaudhury and Mr JIn Jo Yang for leading and conducting the sessions. Very profound thanks to all the country representatives for sharing along their country’s processes of safeguarding and inventorying the ICH as well as the lessons learnt and the measures taken: Dr Dargye, Mr. Srivastava, Mr. Mujah, Mr Ahmad, Mr. Walimunige. We are sure this exchanges will benefit all the participating member states.

Also thanks to all the other participants who actively engaged in the process and provided their expertise and invaluable feedbacks to this workshop.

I would also like to express gratitude to Mr. Christian Manhart, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, who unfortunately could not join us, but has supported this event to make it happen.

Finally, my special thanks to my colleagues Neerana Shakya, Nipuna Shrestha, Sujata Khanal, Kabita and Alfonso who tirelessly worked to organize and put together this programme and support its running. Thank you very much for all your tremendous support.

Thank you, once again for your valuable presence today. Many Thanks!

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Annex V: Visibility Materials

Sub-regional ICH Network Meeting in South Asia: Exchanging countries’ experiences concerning the im-plementation of the 2003 Convention at national level

16 – 17 August 2017, Lalitpur, Nepal

Media coverage

11.08.2017 - UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu

Media advisory: Intangible Cultural Heritage Network Meeting in South Asia: Exchanging countries' experiences on the implementation of the 2003 Convention at national level, 16-17 August 2017,

Lalitpur, Nepal दक्षिण एक्षियामा अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा सञ्जालक

A sub-regional network meeting on Intangible Cultural Heritage in South Asia will be held on 16-17 Au-

gust 2017 at the Hotel Himalaya in Lalitpur, Nepal. The meeting aims to exchange experiences concern-

ing the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at

national level.

The meeting is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP).

Seven South Asian countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - which share diverse living culture will participate. They all have similar conditions due to limited resources and trained workforce in the field of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

In light of rapid development, the threat of natural disaster, and increasingly globalized societies, the countries in the region face challenges in building a systematic framework and national policies for ICH safeguarding, with a greater risk of losing the lesser known aspects of ICH. Sharing experiences in terms of policy and country's processes of safeguarding and inventorying ICH as well as lessons learnt and the measure taken, are among the main agenda of the meeting. The event will benefit participating coun-

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu

http://www.unesco.org/new/index.php?eID=tx_cms_showpic&file=fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/FIELD/Kathmandu/images/bannerICHMeeting.jpg&md5=1078bafb244ff2cc5de5dd75ac6e27c147605891&parameters%5b0%5d=YTo0OntzOjU6IndpZHRoIjtzOjQ6IjUwMG0iO3M6NjoiaGVpZ2h0IjtzOjM6IjUw&parameters%5b1%5d=MCI7czo3OiJib2R5VGFnIjtzOjI0OiI8Ym9keSBiZ0NvbG9yPSIjZmZmZmZmIj4i&parameters%5b2%5d=O3M6NDoid3JhcCI7czozNzoiPGEgaHJlZj0iamF2YXNjcmlwdDpjbG9zZSgpOyI%2B&parameters%5b3%5d=IHwgPC9hPiI7fQ%3D%3D

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tries by fostering international collaboration, building and strengthening international and regional net-works of experts and government stakeholders, and therefore support national authorities in the effec-tive implementation of the 2003 Convention in South Asia.

The meeting will result in an action plan developed for ICH safeguarding as well as recommendations on networking at national and international level to exchange information, expertise and promote collabo-rative works in the region.

UNESCO supports member states in the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safe-guarding of the ICH, among others, through development and dissemination of capacity-building train-ings at national level. The Convention provides a unique platform to safeguard intangible heritage and ensure its inter-generational transmission, and by doing so to improve the social and cultural well-being of communities towards innovative and culturally appropriate action, thereby contributing to sustaina-ble development.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Nipuna Shrestha


Tel: + 977 1 555 43 96 Ext: 26

Email: s.nipuna(at)unesco.org www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu www.facebook.com/unescokathmandu

Kathmandu, 11 August 2017

Press release UNESCO/KAT 02/2017

दक्षिण एक्षियामा अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा सञ्जालको बठैक: २००३ महासन्धीको राक्षिय स्र्रमा कायातन्वयन

सम्बन्धी देिहरुको अनभुव आदानप्रदान, १६—१७ अगष्ट २०१७, लक्षलर्परु, नपेाल

दक्षिण एक्षियामा अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा उप-िेक्षिय सञ्जालको बैठक यक्षह अगष्ट १६—१७ मा लक्षलर्परु

क्षस्िर् होटल क्षहमालयमा आयोजना हुन ेभएको छ । बैठकले राक्षिय स्र्रमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण

महासन्धी — २००३ को कायतन्वयनसाँग सम्बक्षन्धर् अनुभवहरुको आदानप्रदान गने उद्धशे्य राखेको छ ।

बैठक संस्कृक्षर्, पयतटन र्िा नागररक उड्ययन मन्िालय, काठमाड ाँक्षस्िर् युनेस्को कायातलय र एक्षिया—प्रिान्र्

िेिमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाका लाक्षग अन्र्रातक्षिय सूचना र्िा सञ्जाल केन्र (युनेस्को/इच्क्याप) द्वारा

संयुक्त रुपमा आयोजना गररन लाक्षगएको हो ।

साझा क्षवक्षवध जीवन्र् संस्कृक्षर् भएका दक्षिण एक्षियाका सार्वटा देिहरु —बंगलादिे, भुटान, भारर्, माक्षददभ्स,

नेपाल, पाककस्र्ान र श्रीलंका — उक्त बैठकमा सहभागी हुनेछन् । राक्षिय स्र्रमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाको

िेिमा सीक्षमर् स्रोर्साधन र्िा र्ाक्षलमप्राप्त जनिक्षक्त भएका कारण यी सबै देिहरुको अवस्िा उस्र्ै खालको

रहकेो छ ।

र्ीव्र क्षवकास, प्राकृक्षर्क क्षवपक्षिको खर्रा र समाजहरु क्षवश्वव्यापी हुनेक्रम बकिरहकेो सन्दभतमा यस िेिका

देिहरुले अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणका लाक्षग व्यवक्षस्िर् प्रारुप र्िा राक्षिय नीक्षर्हरु क्षनमातण गनतमा


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चुन क्षर्हरुको सामना गरररहकेा छन् र अमूर्त सास्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाका िोरैमाि जानकारीमा आएका पिहरु

हराउने खर्रा छ । बैठकमा छलफल गररने मुख्य क्षवषयहरुमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण र्िा

क्षववरणसूची र्यार गने क्षवषयमा देिहरुले बनाएका नीक्षर् र्िा प्रकक्रयाहरुका सािै क्षसकेका क्षसकाइहरु र्िा

अपनाइएका उपायहरुका बारेमा एकापसमा अनुभवहरुको आदाप्रदान गने लगायर् छन् । अन्र्रातक्षिय

सहकायतमा अक्षभवृक्षद्ध गरेर र क्षवज्ञ र्िा सरकारी सरोकारवालाहरुको अन्र्रातक्षिय र्िा िेक्षिय सञ्जालहरुलाई

सुदिृ गरेर दक्षिण एक्षियामा २००३ को महासन्धीलाई प्रभावकारी रुपमा कायातन्वयन गनत राक्षिय

अक्षधकारीहरुलाई सहयोग पुयातउने भएकाले कायतक्रमबाट सहभागी देिहरु लाभाक्षन्वर् हुनेछन् ।

बैठकबाट अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणका लाक्षग कायतयोजना बनाइनुका सािै राक्षिय र्िा अन्र्रातक्षिय

स्र्रमा सूचना, दिर्ाको आदानप्रदान गनत र यसिेिमा सहकायतको प्रबद्धतन गनतका लाक्षग सञ्जाल बनाउन े

क्षवषयमा सुझाव र्िा क्षसफाररिहरुका र्यार पाररनेछ ।

अन्य कुराहरुका अक्षर्ररक्त युनेस्कोले राक्षिय स्र्रमा िमर्ा क्षवकास र्ाक्षलमहरुको क्षवकास र क्षवर्रणका

माध्यमबाट अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणका लाक्षग अन्र्रातक्षिय महासन्धी २००३ को प्रभावकारी

कायातन्वयनमा सदस्य राज्यहरुलाई मद्धर् गदतछ । महासन्धीले अमरू्त सम्पदाहरुको संरिण गनत र्िा र्ी

सम्पदाहरुको एक पुस्र्ाबाट अको पुस्र्ामा हस्र्ान्र्रण गने कायतको सुक्षनक्षिर् गनत एक क्षवक्षिष्ट मञ्च प्रदान

गदतछ र यसरी रचनात्मक र्िा संस्कृक्षर्संगर् कायतका लाक्षग समुदायको सााँस्कृक्षर्क समृक्षद्ध सुधार दयाइ दीगो

क्षवकासमा योगदान पुयातउाँ दछ ।

क्षमक्षडयासाँग सम्बक्षन्धर् क्षजज्ञासाहरुका लाक्षग सम्पकत :

क्षनपूणा श्रेष्ठ

युनेस्को काठमाड ाँ कायातलय

टेक्षलफोन नं. ९७७ १ ५५५ ४३ ९६ क्षवस्र्ाररर् नं. २६

ईमेल: [email protected]

www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu www.facebook.com/unescokathmandu

काठमाड , ११ अगष्ट २०१७

प्रेस ररक्षलज: युनेस्को/काठ ०२/१७

www.un.org.np


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Intangible Cultural Heritage Network Meeting in South Asia

14 August 2017

A sub-regional network meeting on Intangible Cultural Heritage in South Asia will be held on 16-17 Au-gust 2017 at the Hotel Himalaya in Lalitpur, Nepal. The meeting aims to exchange experiences concern-ing the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at national level.

The meeting is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP).

Attachment:

Download PDF (30.78 KB) 2017-08-08 MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Eng.pdf

Download PDF (305.89 KB) 2017-08-08 MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Nep.pdf

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Published by Neerana Shakya · August 11 at 11:00am ·

दक्षिण एक्षियामा अमूर्त सााँसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा सञ्जालको बैठक: २००३ महासन्धीको राक्षरि य स्तरमा

कायातन्वयन सम्बन्धी देिहरुको अनुभव आदानप्रदान , १६—१७ अगर २०१७, लक्षलर्पुर, नेपाल

बैठकले राक्षरि य स्तरमा अमूर्त सााँसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण महासन्धी — २००३ को कायतन्वयनसाँग

सम्बन्धन्धर् अनुभवहरुको आदानप्रदान गने उदे्धश्य राखेको छ ।

बैठक संस्कृक्षर्, पयतटन र्था नागररक उड्ययन मन्त्रालय , काठमाड ाँन्धथथर् युनेस्को कायातलय र

एक्षिया—प्रिान्त िेत्रमा अमूर्त सााँसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदाका लाक्षग अन्तरातक्षरि य सूचना र्था सञ्जाल

केन्द्र )युनेस्को /इच्क्याप ( द्वारा संयुक्त रुपमा आयोजना गररन लाक्षगएको हो ।

http://un.org.np/sites/default/files/2017-08-08%20MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Eng.pdf

http://un.org.np/sites/default/files/2017-08-08%20MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Eng.pdf

http://un.org.np/sites/default/files/2017-08-08%20MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Nep.pdf

http://un.org.np/sites/default/files/2017-08-08%20MediaAdvisory-ICHNetworkMeeting-Nep.pdf

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https://www.facebook.com/unescokathmandu/posts/1770667016340445

https://www.facebook.com/unescokathmandu/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/about-this-office/single-view/news/media_advisory_intangible_cultural_heritage_network_meeting/

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/about-this-office/single-view/news/media_advisory_intangible_cultural_heritage_network_meeting/

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Media advisory: Intangible Cultural Heritage Network Meeting in South Asia: Exchanging countries' ex-

periences on the implementation of the 2003…

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UNESCO.ORG

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http://ichcourier.ichcap.org/en/network-building-towards-ich-safeguarding-in-south-asia-

2/

http://ichcourier.ichcap.org/en/network-building-towards-ich-safeguarding-in-south-asia-2/

http://ichcourier.ichcap.org/en/network-building-towards-ich-safeguarding-in-south-asia-2/

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Participants of the Meeting © ICHCAP

Network-Building Towards ICH Safeguarding in South Asia

ICHCAP hosted the Sub-regional ICH Networking Meeting in South Asia from 16 to 17 August 2017, to-gether with the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu, to provide the participants with a chance to share experi-ences concerning policies and countries’ processes for ICH safeguarding.

The meeting was aimed to allow various stakeholders in South Asia to discuss ICH safeguarding policies and share experiences in light of the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. South Asia, which is home to diverse ICH, is facing challenges in securing resources or trained experts for ICH safeguarding amidst rapid globalization and economic development. Against this backdrop, ICHCAP and the UNESCO Kathmandu Office organized the meeting to discuss ICH policies and build human networks in the field of ICH among relevant government officials and experts from seven South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan and India, which will ultimately help enhance regional collaboration.

The first day of the meeting, 16 August, was dedicated to country reports on ICH policies and systems in South Asia and a discussion on future actions. Before the country reports were presented, Duang Vich Han, Culture Specialist of the UNESCO Office in Bangkok, introduced the objectives of the 2003 Conven-tion and relevant UNESCO projects. Then, government officials from the member states described their respective ICH policies and discussed issues and challenges about ICH safeguarding. Prof. Danister Pere-ra, the moderator of the discussion, wrapped up the session with an explanation about the impact of ICH policies on ICH safeguarding and sustainable development. Lastly, a special session took place, where ICHCAP explained the current status of its collaborative projects in South Asia and encouraged the member countries to be actively involved in the projects and promote their networking.

The last day of the meeting opened with a session where the participants shared their experiences on ICH inventory making and nomination preparation, which was followed by another session where the participants established action plans for South-Asian ICH safeguarding. Through the sessions, the partic-ipants could understand challenges faced by each country in the execution of ICH policies. They also

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paid close attention to the presentation given by Jinjo Yang, a Korean expert from the National Intangi-ble Heritage Center. He described the enactment of Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangi-ble Cultural Heritage of Korea in line with the implementation of the Convention and the institutional protection of ICH. As the host of the Sub-regional ICH Networking Meeting in South Asia, ICHCAP will continue to expand its collaboration with the member states in South Asia and also engage in various collaborative projects for regional ICH safeguarding.

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/about-this-office/single-

view/news/a_separate_body_must_for_safeguarding_intangible_heritage_sa/

21.08.2017 - UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

A Separate Body needed for Safeguarding Intangible Heritage say South Asian delegates

and experts अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा सरंिणका लाक्षग एउटा छुटै्ट क्षनकाय आवश्यक :दक्षिण एक्षियाली

प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षध र्िा क्षवज्ञहरु

© UNESCO\A. Cobo -Lakhe dance

Considering the importance of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) as a mainspring of cultural diversity

and a guarantee of sustainable development, South Asian countries have identified the need for a na-

tional body which deals specifically with ICH following a sub-regional network meeting, held in Lalitpur,

Nepal, on 16 and 17 August 2017.

Representatives of various Nepali institutions together with experts and delegates from South Asian countries shared experiences regarding the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguard-ing of Intangible Cultural Heritage at national level. A total of 70 participants and four experts from six South Asian countries –Nepal, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka- including Korea, took part in the event.

The two-day event was jointly organized by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP), the Min-istry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal and the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu.

Although there has been a significant focus on the protection of tangible cultural heritage through resto-ration, vital aspects of living culture such as language, dance/performing arts, folktales/oral expressions, music and community traditions are at risk of disappearing due to the threat of natural disasters, rapid urbanization and globalizing societies on the other side. Also, low level of awareness at grassroots level

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/about-this-office/single-view/news/a_separate_body_must_for_safeguarding_intangible_heritage_sa/

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/about-this-office/single-view/news/a_separate_body_must_for_safeguarding_intangible_heritage_sa/

http://www.unesco.org/new/index.php?eID=tx_cms_showpic&file=fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/FIELD/Kathmandu/images/LakheDance.JPG&md5=d1a9fde51d3b81357df4e9d48c49835bda2c47a6&parameters%5b0%5d=YTo0OntzOjU6IndpZHRoIjtzOjQ6IjUwMG0iO3M6NjoiaGVpZ2h0IjtzOjM6IjUw&parameters%5b1%5d=MCI7czo3OiJib2R5VGFnIjtzOjI0OiI8Ym9keSBiZ0NvbG9yPSIjZmZmZmZmIj4i&parameters%5b2%5d=O3M6NDoid3JhcCI7czozNzoiPGEgaHJlZj0iamF2YXNjcmlwdDpjbG9zZSgpOyI%2B&parameters%5b3%5d=IHwgPC9hPiI7fQ%3D%3D

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coupled with untrained personnel across institutions make ICH highly susceptible to serious threats and deteriorating risks.

Nipuna Shrestha of UNESCO Office in Kathmandu stated “I am convinced of the power and diversity of culture, which has brought us together and given us the opportunity for dialogue”. “I am also convinced that we can do more together, developing our understanding from mutual learnings and capitalizing on UNESCO’s network of partners and experts, to safeguard the ICH in this region and across the world”, she added.

All participating countries face similar challenges in the field of safeguarding ICH at a national level, no-tably the lack of resources, framework and trained national capacity.

The event gave the opportunity to experts, government officials and other participants to discuss and debate processes of safeguarding and inventorying ICH under the policy framework of each country. The meeting also gave participants the chance of learning specific approaches implemented by other South Asian countries.

Participants put very important issues on the table such as the importance of participation of communi-ties in the ICH inventorying, the lack of proper understanding and awareness among stakeholders as well as the need of having a specific ICH policy.

Ritu Sethi, an expert from India highlighted the need for community involvement in the process of pro-tecting ICH, stating: “The community is lying at the core – they are the bearers of heritage. Culture is living and evolving, and safeguarding should be undertaken and measured”.

Involving the youth Another important outcome of the event is the commitment of involving the youth of the region on safeguarding ICH. New generations need to feel that they are part of their intangible heritage. Partici-pants agreed that it should be included in the education curricula. Equally the role of the media in this regard was highlighted by several participants.

UNESCO supports member states in the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safe-guarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Convention provides a unique platform to safeguard intangible heritage and ensure its inter-generational transmission, and by doing so to improve the social and cultural well-being of communities towards innovative and culturally appropriate action, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

For photographs, click the link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/unescokathmandu/albums/72157685343227774

अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा सरंिणका लाक्षग एउटा छुटै्ट क्षनकाय आवश्यक: दक्षिण एक्षियाली प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षध र्िा

क्षवज्ञहरु

यक्षह अगष्ट १६ र १७ मा नेपालमा सम्पन्न अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा उप-िेक्षिय सञ्जालको बैठक पक्षछ

सााँस्कृक्षर्क क्षवक्षवधर्ा र कदगो क्षवकासको प्रत्याभूक्षर्का रुपमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाको महत्वलाई ध्यानमा

राख्दै दक्षिण एक्षियाली देिहरुले खाि गरेर यस्र्ा सम्पदाहरुका िेिमा काम गने एउटा राक्षिय क्षनकायको

आवश्यकर्ा पक्षहचान गरेका छन् ।

कायतक्रममा दक्षिण एक्षियाली देिका क्षवज्ञ र्िा प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षधहरु सक्षहर् क्षवक्षभन्न नेपाली संघसंस्िाहरुका

प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षधहरुल ेअमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण महासन्धी २००३ को राक्षिय स्र्रमा भइरहकेो कायातन्वयनका

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क्षवषयमा आ-आफ्ना अनुभवहरु बााँडेका क्षिए । नेपाल, भुटान, भारर्, माक्षददभ्स, पाककस्र्ान र श्रीलंका सक्षहर्

दक्षिण एक्षियाका छ वटा देिहरु र्िा कोररयाबाट आएका प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षध र्िा क्षवज्ञहरुल ेसक्षहर् ७० जनाले उक्त

कायतक्रममा भाग क्षलएका क्षिए ।

उक्त दईु कदने कायतक्रम एक्षिया–प्रिान्र् िेिमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाका लाक्षग युनेस्को संरक्षिर् अन्र्रातक्षिय

सूचना र्िा सञ्जाल केन्र (ICHCAP), नेपाल सरकार संस्कृक्षर्, पयतटन र्िा नागररक उड्ययन मन्िालय र

युनेस्को काठमाड ाँ कायातलयद्वारा संयुक्त रुपमा आयोजना गररएको हो ।

पुनस्िातपनाका माध्यमबाट मूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाहरुको संरिणमा महत्वपूणत ध्यान कदइएको भएर्ा पक्षन

अकोर्फत जीवन्र् संस्कृक्षर्का अह ं पिहरु जस्र्ैैः भाषा, नृत्य/ मञ्चन कला, लोककिा/ म क्षखक अक्षभव्यक्षक्त,

संक्षगर् र्िा सामुदाक्षयक प्रचलनहरु प्राकृक्षर्क क्षवपक्षि, र्ीव्र सहरीकरण एवं भूमण्डलीकृर् समाजहरुका कारण

लोप हुन ेखर्रामा छन ् । अझ,ै जनस्र्रमा चेर्नाको स्र्र न्यून हुनुका सािै संघसंस्िाहरुमा र्ाक्षलमप्राप्त

जनिक्षक्त नहुनुका कारण पक्षन अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाहरु गंभीर रुपले खर्रामा पनुतका सािै यस्र्ा सम्पदाहरु

ह्रास भएर जाने जोक्षखम समेर् उच्च रहकेो छ ।

युनेस्को काठमाड ाँ कायातलयका क्षनपुणा श्रेष्ठले भन्नु भयो, “संस्कृक्षर्को िक्षक्त र क्षवक्षवधर्ाप्रक्षर् म क्षवश्वस्र् छु

जसले हामीहरुलाई एकै ठाउाँमा दयाएर संवाद गने म का प्रदान गरेको छ ।” उहााँले अगाक्षड िप्नु भयो, “म यो

कुरामा पक्षन क्षवश्वस्र् छु कक हामीहरुल ेआपसी क्षसकाइ एवं साझेदार र्िा क्षवज्ञहरुको युनेस्कोको सञ्जालबाट

लाभ उठाउाँ द ैयो िेि र्िा समग्र क्षवश्व भरर नै अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण गनत साँगै क्षमलेर अझ धरैे

गनत स्छ ाँ ।”

राक्षिय स्र्रमा अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणको िेिमा सहभागी सबै देिहरुले एकै खाले चुन र्ीहरुको

सामना गरररहकेा छन् । यी मध्य ेसाधनस्रोर्, प्रारुप र र्ाक्षलमप्राप्त राक्षिय िमर्ाको अभाव उदलेखनीय छन ्

।

कायतक्रमले क्षवज्ञहरु, सरकारी कमतचारी र्िा अन्य सहभागीहरुलाई प्रत्येक दिेहरुको नीक्षर्गर् प्रारुप अन्र्गतर्

अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाहरुको संरिण गने र्िा क्षववरण–सूची र्यार गने क्षवषयमा छलफल एवं भलाकुसारी

गने अवसर प्रदान गयो । बैठकले सहभागीहरुलाई दक्षिण एक्षियाका अन्य देिहरुल ेकायतन्वयन गरेका क्षविेष

उपायहरुका बारेमा क्षसके्न म का समेर् प्रदान गयो ।

सहभागीहरुले अत्यन्र्ै महत्वपूणत क्षवषयहरु जस्र्ैैः अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाको क्षववरण सूची क्षनमातणमा

समुदायको सहभागीर्ाको महत्व, सरोकारवालाहरुका माझ उक्षचर् बुझाइ एवं चेर्नाको अभावका सािसािै

क्षविेष अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा नीक्षर्को आवश्यकर्ा छलफलमा दयाएका क्षिए ।

भारर्का एक क्षवज्ञ ऋर्ु सेठीले “समुदाय महत्वपूणत हुन्छ, उनीहरु संम्पदाका वाहक हुन् । संस्कृक्षर् क्षजक्षवर् हुाँदै

क्षवकक्षसर् हुाँदै जान्छ र त्यसको संरिण एवं मापन गररनु पछत ” भन्नुहुाँदै अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण

प्रकक्रयामा समुदायको संलग्नर्ाको आवश्यकर्ामाक्षि प्रकाि पानुत भयो ।

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यवुाहरुको सलंग्नर्ा

कायतक्रमको अको महत्वपूणत उपलब्धी यस िेिका अमरू्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाको संरिणमा युवाहरुलाई संलग्न

गराउने प्रक्षर्क्षवद्धर्ा हो । नयााँ पुस्र्ाल ेउनीहरु अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदाको क्षहस्सा हुन ्भन्ने महिुस गनुत

आवश्यक छ । त्यसै गरी केक्षह सहभागीहरुले यस सम्बन्धमा क्षमक्षडयाको भूक्षमकामाक्षि पक्षन प्रकाि पारेका

क्षिए ।

अमूर्त सााँस्कृक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण महासन्धी २००३ को प्रभावकारी कायातन्वयनमा युनेस्कोले सदस्य रािहरुलाई

सहयोग गदतछ । महासन्धीले अमूर्त सम्पदाहरुको संरिण गनत र्िा र्ी सम्पदाहरुको एक पुस्र्ाबाट अको

पुस्र्ामा हस्र्ान्र्रण गने कायतको सुक्षनक्षिर् गनत एक क्षवक्षिष्ट मञ्च प्रदान गदतछ र यसरी रचनात्मक र्िा

संस्कृक्षर्संगर् कमतका लाक्षग समुदायको सााँस्कृक्षर्क समृक्षद्धमा सुधार दयाइ दीगो क्षवकासमा योगदान पुयातउाँ दछ ।

फोटो हनेतको लाक्षग र्ल कदईइको ललंक क्ष्लक गनुतहोस्

https://www.flickr.com/photos/unescokathmandu/albums/72157685343227774

www.facebook.com/unescokathmandu

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अमूर्त सम्पदा संरिणमा समुदायकै भूक्षमका उच्च ’

नवीन लुइ“टेल/ लक्षलर्पुर

अमूर्त सम्पदा संरिणमा सम्बन्धन्धर् समुदाय जागरुक नहु“दासम्म संरिण हुन नसके्न क्षनष्कर्तमा

सरोकारवाला पुगेका छन् । दक्षिण एक्षसयाली रारि का प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षि सन्धम्मक्षलर् उपिेत्रीय सञ्जाल

बैठकका क्रममा उनीहरूले यस्तो क्षनष्कर्त क्षनकालेको संसृ्कक्षर् , पयतटन र्था नागररक उड्डयन

मन्त्रालयले जनाएको छ ।

बैठकका सहभागीले समुदायको साथक्षबना अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिण हुन नसके्न बर्ाएका

हुन् । जुन समुदायको आफ्नो सम्पदा हो, त्यही समुदाय नै जागरुक नभई संरिणमा लाग्न कक्षठन

हुने उनीहरूले औलं्याएका छन् ।

‘क्षसजतना जसले गछत , संरिण पक्षन त्यसैले गनुतपछत ,’ बैठकमा सहभागी संसृ्कक्षर् , पयतटन र्था

नागररक उड्डयन मन्त्रालयका सहसक्षचव भरर्मक्षण सुवेदीले भने । उनका अनुसार बैठकले अमूर्त

सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा आईसीएच संरिणसम्बन्धी कायतयोजनासमेर् र्यार पारेको छ । अमूर्त

संसृ्कक्षर् सम्बन्धी सन् २००३ को महासन्धन्ध कायातन्वयनमा संयुक्त पहललगायर्बारे पक्षन प्रक्षर्बद्धर्ा

जाहेर गररएको छ ।

सन् २००३ मा भएको अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदासम्बन्धी महासन्धन्धलाई राक्षरि यस्तरमा लागू गराउने

उदे्दश्यसक्षहर् अनुभव आदानप्रदान गनत आयोक्षजर् कायतिालाले आईसीएच कायतयो जना र्यार गरेको

हो । सन् २०१० मा नेपाल पिरारि भएपक्षछ महासन्धन्ध कायातन्वयन गराउने सवालमा कायतिाला

गोष्ठी गररएको सहसक्षचव सुवेदी बर्ाउ“छन् ।

बैठकमा नेपालसक्षहर् पाक्षकस्तान , अफगाक्षनस्तान , श्रीलंका , भुटानको संयुक्त बैठकले आईसीएच

कायतयोजना र्यार गरेको हो ।

अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदासम्बन्धी सन् २००३ को महासन्धन्ध कायातन्वयनमा देन्धखएका चुन र्ी र

कायातन्वयनमा दक्षिण एक्षसयाली रारि ले नै संयुक्त पहल गनेबारे बैठकमा छलफल भएको छ ।

छलफलमा नेपालका र्फत बाट संसृ्कक्षर् मन्त्रालय , पुरार्Œव क्षवभाग, युनेस्को , काठमाड ंउपत्यकाका

नगरपाक्षलकाअन्तगतर्का सम्पदा िाखा प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षिसमेर् सहभागी भएका छन् ।

अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणका लाक्षग संसृ्कक्षर्कमीको िमर्ा अक्षभवृन्धद्ध गनुतपने

औलं्याइएको छ । युवा पुस्तामा अमूर्त सम्पदाबारे जानकारी क्षदने र यसलाई अनन्तसम्म जीवन्त

http://rajdhanidaily.com/

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संसृ्कक्षर्कर् मीको िमर्ा अक्षभवृन्धद्धको क्षवकल्प नभएको सहभागी रारि का प्रक्षर्क्षनक्षिले बर्ाएका छन्

सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदालाई सामाक्षजक, आक्षथतक , िाक्षमतक , ऐक्षर्हाक्षसक र्था लोकक्षवश्वास , लोकअभ्यास र्था

सञ्चालनमा पारेको आक्षथतक महŒव जीक्षवकोपाजतनसाँग जोडेर हेनुत आवश्यक भएको उनीहरू

। उनीहरूका अनुसार अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदाका क्षवक्षवि क्षविाका क्षवर्यमा क्षििा , चेर्ना अक्षभवृन्धद्ध

िमर्ा क्षवकास गनत सबै सरोकार पि र्था राज्यका क्षनकायले ध्यान क्षदनुपने हुन्छ ।

अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा क्षवर्यमा रेक्षडयो, क्षटभी र्था इन्टरनेटमाफत र् जानकारी गराउने, िैक्षिक

कायतक्रम सञ्चालन , सरोकारवाला र लक्षिर् समुदायबीच नेटवक्षकत ङ , बैठक र्था सेक्षमनार, क्षनणातयक

र्हसम्म लक्षबङ, मेला, प्रदितनी , महोत्सव गनुत उक्षचर् हुने सहभागीको सुझाव छ ।

यसअक्षि सन् २०१२ मा जापान सरकारको आक्षथतक सहयोगमा अमूर्त सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा संरिणका

लाक्षग युनेस्को महासन्धन्ध –२००३ कायातन्वयन , सन् २०१३ जनवरीमा समुदायमा आिाररर् अमूर्त

सांसृ्कक्षर्क सम्पदा पक्षहचान र्था क्षववरण सूचीकरण र सन् २०१३ सेपे्टम्बरमा महासन्धन्धका लाक्षग

मनोनयन र्यारी िीर्तकमा कायतिाला गररएको क्षथयो ।

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UN in Nepal News Insight, July-August 2017, Vol. 65

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Dr. Seong-Yong Park, South Korea Assistant Director General of the Internal Information and Networking Centre of Intangible Cultural

Heritage in the Asia-Pacific region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP)

“ICH is becoming a very good tool to represent cultural identity for Korean people”

Seong-Yong Park is an international expert and scholar in the cultural

heritage field, who earned his Ph.D. Degree from the University of

Queensland, Australia, in Heritage Studies. He is currently an Assistant

Director-General of ICHCAP, a UNESCO Category 2 Centres in the field of

Intangible Cultural Heritage for 48 Member States in Asia-Pacific region.

He is also an Expert Advisor of the Korean Cultural Heritage Committee. Mr

Park is the Author of "On Intangible Cultural Heritage Governance: An Asia-

Pacific Context (2013) published by the Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK.

Question (Q): What is ICH for South Korea?

Answer (A): ICH is starting to be a very good tool to represent cultural identity for Korean people.

Q: How do you safeguard ICH in South Korea?

A: In 1962 the South Korean Government

enacted the Culture Heritage Protection Act.

This Act also protects Intangible Cultural

Heritage. Now, recently in 2015, Korean

Government was able to develop ICH Act, which

is very specialized and I thinks it is a very good

model for different countries as well. It plays a

very good role in safeguarding ICH in a

comprehensive manner. Not only safeguarding,

but also promoting the value of ICH to utilize it

for sustainable development.

Q: What is the impact for the communities of ICH inscription on the lists of the 2003 Convention?

A: Thanks to the contribution of 2003

Convention in Korean society the community is

more highly appreciated and their role is getting

more strengthened. I think communities have a

stronger pride over ICH elements after having

inscribed these elements in the UNESCO list.

According to me they diversify the programmes

and projects to increase visibility of the ICH

elements without Government subsidy.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include?

A: That is a very difficult question. Of course the

2003 Convention is not a perfect regulation.

There should be some revision or addition, but

at the moment I haven’t thought about it in any

manner.

Q: What are the main challenges your country face while implementing the 2003 Convention at national level?

A: Understanding about the ICH is still a big task. It is important for Korean people to understand the core spirit of the 2003 Convention. There have been tangible heritage oriented policies for several decades, so even though locally Korean Government could take care of ICH events nevertheless there have been big infusing balance between tangible and intangible heritage safeguarding. To keep that balance between tangible and intangible still when is raising ICH it is a very big issue and a future task for Korean society.

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Mr. Nazir Ahmad, Pakistan Deputy Secretary (Heritage), National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of Information,

Broadcasting and National Heritage

“Including Intangible Cultural Heritage in learning and teaching will be the best practice for safeguarding in future”

Nazir Ahmad is the Deputy Secretary of National History and Literacy

Heritage Division of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and

National Heritage in Pakistan.

He is heading the ICH working group. He has also worked with

UNESCO Office in Islamabad in different projects for safeguarding of

ICH in the country.

Q: What is ICH for Pakistan?

A: ICH is living culture heritage. Historic site of Gandhara and the Indus civilization are in fact complemented by magnificent ICH comprising knowledge and skills, oral religion, performance gods, social practices and festivals. This is all our ICH and we are proud of it. Q: How do you safeguard ICH in Pakistan?

A: The basic tool for safeguarding ICH is

documentation. We have established a working

group and we have requested and suggested

our provinces that they should identify the ICH

elements available in our country. They will

forward us all the elements and we will make

the national ICH list and then we will make the

inventory.

Secondly it is important the awareness between

communities because they are the owners of

this ICH. There is a need to awareness raising in

the community for safeguarding their ICH and

Government will provide assistance for it.

Other thing I would like to mention is that we

have implemented a project for integrating ICH

into learning and teaching for promoting

education for sustainable development. I think

if the ICH is included in learning and teaching it

will be the best practice for safeguarding in

future.

Q: What is the impact for the communities of ICH inscription on the lists of the 2003 Convention? A: Basically when an element is inscribed on the

UNESCO List of ICH in Need of Urgent

Safeguarding, UNESCO provides assistance for

the safeguarding. ICH gains national and

international popularity. Communities make

also programmes for safeguarding. Personally I

think when the ICH elements are famous in

villages, cities and provinces of the country and

at an international level, its marketing increases.

ICH contributes for sustainable development

and it creates financial resources, financial

opportunities for the communities. Inscribing of

an ICH on the UNESCO list promotes economic

prosperity for the community.

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Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include? A: I have read it and it is a very comprehensive

convention but it is not limited to some extent.

As you can see, the ICH have been divided into

five domains in this Convention but it is not

limited. Every country can add some more

domains in this ICH. It is very flexible. We have

added traditional cuisine, traditional games and

others. We have seven ICH categories in our

country. So it is a flexible convention. If it is

implemented it can safeguard ICH in a very

good way.

Q: What are the main challenges your country face while implementing the 2003 Convention at national level? A: Financial resources for the implementation and safeguarding. When you go to the community for the safeguarding, when you go to impart training, when you want to make

some safeguarding plan it all needs expertise and financial resources. Expertise is also a problem and if you arrange trainings it also involves financial sources. If you don’t make safeguarding plans yourself, you cannot ask UNESCSO for financial assistance for safeguarding your ICH. So first of all we have to make something for safeguarding. For getting financial resources the Government should approach the National Fund for Culture Heritage which is being maintained in UNESCO. They can provide assistance. We have done all the work without financial support from Government. We have contacted NGOs and INGOs, financial partners and some other institutions which are working for promotion of tangible and intangible heritage. We have gathered sources but the basic point is that you have the will to promote and safeguard your ICH.

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Mr. Danister Perera, Sri Lanka Expert

“We have included some elements into the school curricula to encourage the students about their ICH”

Danister Perera is an expert on traditional medicine. He has worked

for the World Bank project on inventory of traditional medicine.

He has attended all the UNESCO training workshops; has also done

paper for UNESCO on the current legal / policy framework governing

ICH in Sri Lanka.

Q: What is ICH for Sri Lanka?

A: ICH terminology is new for us in Sri Lanka. It was introduced by the Convention and the UNESCO workshops conducted by specialists. Before that, we were using many other terms like traditional knowledge and practices, folklore, indigenous knowledge…Then we understood that the ICH covers the scope of all these terms. Moreover, we understood that Sri Lanka is a country which is rich in these ICH elements. We have many kind of ICH practices and domains coming from the early history. Q: How do you safeguard ICH in Sri Lanka? A: Safeguarding has been happening from the

past. It was there before the 2003 Convention.

It was carried out by the Government

institutions, NGOs, community organizations,

universities. Many measures were taken by

these institutions to safeguard ICH.

We have also included some ICH elements into

the school curricula to encourage the students.

We want to raise awareness among the

communities towards their own heritage to

transmit it in a sustainable way to the new

generations.

Q: How safeguarding the ICH can contribute to

sustainable development?

A: Sustainable development is a kind of

dilemma in Sri Lanka because we are facing a

very fast growing economic advancement which

is bringing some projects that can have an

impact in rural areas and could affect the

sustainability of the ICH. Therefore we need to

look at alternates modes of sustainable

development. A real sustainable development

should be practiced. Actually we have a Ministry

on Sustainable Development, but I don t́ believe

that the Government is honestly committing on

this issue. They take any kind of fundraising

projects. They get some foreign funds and they

invest that money in any rural area which can

sometimes destroy the national heritage which

is the resource base of ICH.

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Sustainable development is not a new concept

according to me, because it was there with our

ancestors. Before the colonialism and the

industrial revolution, countries like Sri Lanka,

India and Nepal have this sustainable

development model. It was part of the work, of

the livelihoods of our ancestors and it had a

minimum impact in the environment. They

didn’t destroy it in a useless way. They used the

natural resources in a sustainable way. So, I

think sustainable development is a good model

to be revisited and for introducing it to the

society.

Q: Do you think that having ICH inscribed in the UNESCO list has an impact on communities? A: Definitely. Any kind of international

cooperation for ICH safeguarding must be

effective and beneficial for the Sri Lankan

communities. That is why we need to get more

support from the international agencies like

UNESCO to safeguard ICH elements and to get

more exposure to other countries in the same

region, share our experiences and also learning

from them: what are they doing, how are doing

it, what kind of challenges and problems they

face, etc.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include? A: The Convention is not a bible, it is a flexible

instrument. In the national context we could

have our own modalities and the Convention

can be the guideline, a kind of “light” from

outside.

I think operational directives are more

important than the Convention because they

are always updated. The terms of the

Convention can be defined in our own culture.

It is originally drafted in English and in my

opinion, sometimes it doesn t́ suit with the local

thinking. Sometimes you can t́ define, interpret

the words, the terms within the local context.

Ultimately we understood that cannot be a

universal document because we have and we

think in our own language. We can also find

some incompatibilities, but despite of it the

Convention is still fine.

Q: What are the main challenges your country face while implementing the 2003 Convention at national level? A: At a ground level, the local community is always thinking that if somebody is collecting their own knowledge, there is some kind of interference. Sometimes people see that as a threat. There are too many NGOs working in the community in our countries with many different interests. Sometimes these NGOs mislead the community, they give some misconceptions to them. In my opinion, the best way of dealing with ICH elements is selecting some members from the community, training them and let them to do it. Otherwise if you appoint a cultural officer from outside, community members can feel that their heritage is in danger and they will try to protect themselves from strangers. Other challenge is that markets should be more ICH friendly. Sometimes ICH goods cannot be traduced in a fast way because they need some natural resources and people don t́ have access to them. And finally the Media, which are a big threat to ICH in Sri Lanka and most of South Asian countries. Journalists are producing some information which is not ICH friendly. Nowadays media are selling a product to attract more spectators, more readers. Then they have “to add some poison” in the information. Otherwise you cannot sell the product. I call it “information toxicity”: there is too much information and it is not easy to differentiate if it is good or bad.

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Ms. Ritu Sethi, India

Expert

“Having ICH elements in the list of UNESCO brings great respect and interest in transmitting Indian heritage”

Ritu Sethi is a Chairperson at Craft Revival Trust since 1999. She has

been a member of ICH expert committee and reviewed many dossiers

for the Government of India.

She was the Chairperson at the Consultative Body in India for the

Nomination to the Urgent Safeguarding List in 2010-2011.

Q: What is ICH for India?

A: ICH means for Indian people our costumes, our live, our way of existence, the indigenous knowledge that we have, our oral traditions, the agricultural traditions, and the rituals that are followed. The interesting thing about India is that it has been always been opened to influences. As a result, they have had invaders, information, now Internet, television and so many new forms of communication that when it comes into India, it becomes completely Indian. Q: How do communities perceive having some ICH elements in the list of UNESCO? A: I think it brings recognition and that itself it is

a huge benefit because they realize that their

ICH is recognized by others. That brings great

respect and also interest in transmitting.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include? A: I wish that other conventions related to

culture are brought closer because at the end of

the day built heritage was built by people that

live in traditions and many of them continue

around the field of that area to be recreating

the same traditions. So the recognition of the

link between these traditions and the

conversations between these conventions I

think must be strengthened.

Q: What do you think is the main challenge to link the ICH with sustainable development? A: I think the main challenge is to recognize that

this ICH contributes to sustainable development.

We have to translate ICH elements in a way that

they are recognized by the rest of the world and

by our own communities, our own country and

our own region. It will require a working on and

that is why I’m so delighted that the

conversations started because you are going to

learn from each other how to recognize your

ICH and how to obtain a benefit from it.

Q: How do you safeguard ICH in India? A: Before the term ICH, India has been protecting its heritage whether it has been traditional arts and crafts through recognition of the masters through giving programmes, getting demonstrations to many aspects and the same for the performing arts. It was never

268

looked at as one whole because it was only in 2003 that the five domains came up. But till then I think India it was one of the countries in this region that has been continuously working. Basically it was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, who started the movement back to the roots. It has always ingrained into us, this recognition of what is now the ICH.

Q: Why are there so many NGOs in India? A: I think it is because we are such a diverse country and we have such extremes between wealth and poverty. We have extremes of being entitled and having nothing. Many of us are convinced that we need to give back. That is why there are so many organizations.

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Mr. Bhim Prasad Nepal, Nepal Expert

“We must have a link between ICH activities and the economy of the people”

Bhim Prasad Nepal holds Master’s Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Mr Nepal is one of National Culture Experts of Nepal. He has co-facilitated

the UNESCO ICH all the series of training workshops held in Nepal along with

the UNESCO accredited trainers.

Recently, he has facilitated a community-based ICH identification,

inventorying and safeguarding workshop in Halesi, Khotang in Nepal which

was a great success. He has been providing advisory and consultancy services

to UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture and other stakeholders.

Q: What is ICH for Nepal?

A: In the context of Nepal the ICH also is defended by the 2003 Convention and we are following its definition. But at ordinary people level, the ICH is understood just like festivals, traditional dances and traditional workmanship. This sort of festive events is what people understand ICH is.

Q: How do you safeguard ICH in Nepal?

A: If we speak historically, the communities

themselves safeguard ICH. In the context of

Nepal to safeguard some of the ICH elements

(for example, festive events or religious

activities) it was managed by the Guthi system.

The Guthi system means a kind of trust which

has a long history in Nepal. It was established

for the management, the performance and the

continuation of the ICH. Later the Government

and others institutions are also supporting the

safeguarding of ICH in Nepal.

Q: How safeguarding the ICH can contribute to sustainable development?

A: Now, we are not able to link the heritage

safeguarding or conservation to the economic

income of the concerned community and to the

concerned practitioners. The main point is that

we must have a link between ICH activities and

the economy of the people. So it will be the

sustain I hope.

Q: Do you think that having ICH inscribed in the UNESCO list has an impact on communities?

A: It is also very important inscribing elements

in the UNESCO list. It will have a positive impact

in the community. People will feel proud of

being in the list. It is a question of pride.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include?

A: In my opinion in the article 2 of the 2003

Convention defines ICH in a global context and

there is one provision ICH should be

transmitted from generation to generation and

it is constantly recreated by the community.

This provision can be sometimes difficult to

define in the context of, not only in Nepal but in

other countries of the region. This is because

can be disturbed due to many reasons like

political conflicts, globalization, community

270

participants that will not be dear (respected). If

something like this happens and the cultural

activity is not recreated, it doesn’t mean that is

not ICH. So I’m not fully convinced about this

provision in the article 2. UNESCO should

consider this point.

Q: What are the main challenges your country face while implementing the 2003 Convention at national level? A: It is a very interesting and appropriate question in the context of Nepal. Since the last seven years we are in the beginning of the implementation of the 2003 Convention. There is a lack of training. There is also a need of a

separate department or institution responsible to look after the implementation. Until then it will be very difficult to hold the responsibility of implementing the Convention. It is a new subject in Nepal, so we need new trained staff to carry out the activities related to ICH. At the same time and not only in the case of Nepal, but also in all underdeveloped countries, the priority goes to the development activities which conduct direct economic benefit. In Culture there is no direct benefit, we have to wait some time. In all these countries the priority goes to other fields: floods in Nepal, for example. This kind of disaster also impact in the implementation of the Convention.

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Dr. Yonten Dargye, Bhutan Head of Research Division, National Library and Archives,

Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs

“Protecting ICH can bring harmony and unity to the community and help establishing its identity”

Yonten Dargye holds a Ph.D. Degree in Buddhist Studies from the University

of Delhi, India (1997). He is currently working as a Research Specialist in the

National Library & Archives in Bhutan.

He has coordinated research and publication of Intangible Cultural Heritage

of Bhutan including many other publications. He also has contributed many

articles in intangible heritage of Bhutan such as rituals, ethics, social

practices etc. and papers on intangible heritage in seminars/conferences.

Q: What is ICH for Bhutan?

A: ICH means Bhutanese people’s creative excellences as knowledge, skills, att, beliefs, music, drama, oral traditions, festivals, and other such values that are principally derived from Buddhist doctrine and ethics.

Q: How do you safeguard ICH in Bhutan?

A: We safeguard our ICH mainly preparing policies, bills, rules and regulation; carrying out written and photographic documentation; video filming, and audio recordings; conducting workshops, seminars, meetings as well as contests, exhibitions and festivals; bringing out publications and; educating and creating awareness through TV.

Q: How safeguarding the ICH can contribute to sustainable development?

A: Protecting ICH can bring harmony and unity to the community, and help establishing its identity, thus contributing to sustainable development. Q: What is the impact for the communities of ICH inscription on the lists of the 2003 convention?

A: At present, Bhutan has only one ICH element inscribed on Representative List. Not much is known about its impact on community. But I am sure inscription will surely boost community vitality in protecting and promoting ICH owned by particular community and identity construction of the community and the constituent community members.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 convention, what would you include?

A: Since I am not familiar with the 2003 Convention, I am not sure what needs to be incorporated exactly. However, in my opinion more importance should be given to community since they are the creator and custodian of ICH, hence adequate support (through financial incentives and recognitions) should be given.

Q: What are the main challenges your country face while implementing the 2003 convention at national level?

A: Lack of law or legal guidelines and funding support; lack of trained/skilled human resources and coordination; and lack of designated/dedicated ICH Division to carry out the sole ICH related works are the main challenges faced at present.

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Mr. Ibrahim Mujah, Maldives Head of Heritage Section, Department of Heritage, Ministry of Education

“We are only selling sun and sea to the tourists and our culture must be another incentive for them”

Ibrahim Mujah is currently a Photographer and Head of the Heritage

Section in Maldives.

He has worked in the capacity of a photographer in different sectors

in Maldives such as Department of Heritage, Ministry of Legal Reform,

Arts and Culture, Television etc.

Q: What is ICH for Maldives? A: ICH is important in Maldives for some communities. Some other are not aware of it because they are working and they are very busy. People in Maldives they usually make some ICH performances after work, especially on Friday night, which is a holiday in our country.

Q: How do you safeguard ICH in Maldives? A: The Government is trying to protect ICH. Some TV channels from the Government encourage people to participate in festivals.

Q: Do you think that having ICH inscribed in the UNESCO list has an impact on communities?

A: It will be a good impact. Many tourists come

to Maldives and we are only selling sun a sea to

them. We are not selling the culture. Our

culture must be another incentive for tourists

staying in Maldives.

Q: If you could incorporate something in the 2003 Convention, what would you include? A: I think the Convention is fine now. We learnt

about it only one year ago, so we are still

studying it.

Q: What is the main challenge to turn ICH in sustainable development? A: There are lot of people making performances

as traditional dances in different resorts in

many islands of our country but it is very

difficult to put all these people together to have

a better coordination regarding ICH. These

traditional dances are focused on tourists.

There are some cultural clubs which are paid by

the resorts and this is a way to show our ICH.

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Annex VI: Photos

1. Ladies from Far Western region of Nepal recite mangalcharan during inauguration of the event © UNESCO A. Cobo

2. Family photo ICH meeting © UNESCO A. Cobo

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3. One participant of ICH meeting reads carefully the leaflet of the event © UNESCOA. Cobo

4. Overview of the ICH meeting room © UNESCOA. Cobo

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5. A young participates actively in the ICH meeting © UNESCOA. Cobo

6. One of the participants shows his abilities with a traditional Nepali instrument © UNESCOA. Cobo

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7. Tradicional dance performed during closure programme of ICH meeting © UNESCOA. Cobo

8. Lakhey, demon in Nepalese folklore during ICH meeting closure programme © UNESCOA. Cobo

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9. Traditional performances from the Nepali community practitioners

10. Expert showing a presentation during ICH meeting © UNESCOA. Cobo

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11. A Rai young boy talks about his traditional waistcoat handmade © UNESCOA. Cobo

Jointly published by

International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia –Pacific Region under

the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP) and UNESCO Office in Kathmandu

Director of the Publication Kwon Huh

Supervisors Seong-Yong Park and Nipuna Shrestha

Edited by Neerana Shakya, Leire Beltran Sagaseta and Boyoung Cha

Publisher

ICHCAP

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Email [email protected]

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