UNESCO has recently inscribed various endangered traditional arts and crafts on its List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This significant action aims to protect global cultural diversity and highlights the life of cultural practices that are seriously threatened by modernization, migration, lack of community participation, or insufficient economic support.
The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is a crucial initiative by UNESCO to identify cultural practices at risk of disappearing. This list includes traditions associated with music, dance, crafts, rituals, and oral knowledge. Once a cultural element is inscribed, it becomes eligible for international support, technical assistance, and funding, enabling communities to preserve and transmit their heritage.
Among the newly recognized elements are:
These inscriptions acknowledge both the artistic and social value of these practices, emphasizing their importance in sustaining community identities and traditional knowledge systems.
The inscriptions were announced during a UNESCO session held at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, marking the first time India has hosted such a meeting. This venue symbolizes the significance of heritage conservation and showcases India’s growing role in global cultural governance. Hosting this session also reflects India's long-standing tradition of protecting diverse cultural expressions, both tangible and intangible.
Currently, UNESCO is reviewing over 67 nominations submitted by nearly 80 countries. These nominations encompass a wide range of intangible heritage elements, including music, dance forms, crafts, rituals, and traditional knowledge systems. The review process assesses the level of threat, urgency of safeguarding, and the involvement of local communities in preservation efforts. Community participation is deemed essential for the long-term survival of these traditions.
Q1. What is the purpose of UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List?
Answer: The list aims to identify and protect cultural practices at risk of disappearing due to various threats, enabling communities to preserve their heritage.
Q2. How does UNESCO support inscribed cultural practices?
Answer: Inscribed elements are eligible for international support, technical assistance, and funding to help communities preserve and transmit their traditions.
Q3. What are some examples of newly inscribed elements?
Answer: Examples include Boreendo from Pakistan, Mwazindika Dance from Kenya, and Dong Ho Folk Woodblock Printing from Vietnam, each representing unique cultural heritages.
Q4. Where was the recent UNESCO session held?
Answer: The session took place at the Red Fort in Delhi, India, marking a significant event in global cultural governance and heritage conservation.
Q5. Why is community participation important in safeguarding traditions?
Answer: Community involvement is essential for the successful preservation and transmission of cultural practices, ensuring their relevance and continuity for future generations.
Question 1: What does UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List aim to protect?
A) Tangible cultural heritage
B) Endangered cultural practices
C) Political structures
D) Economic policies
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which instrument from Pakistan was inscribed on UNESCO's list?
A) Sitar
B) Boreendo
C) Tabla
D) Flute
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Why is community participation crucial in heritage preservation?
A) To reduce costs
B) For long-term survival of traditions
C) To gain international funding
D) To increase tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Where was the recent UNESCO session held?
A) Mumbai
B) Red Fort, Delhi
C) Kolkata
D) Jaipur
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What type of practices are included in the Urgent Safeguarding List?
A) Only music
B) Crafts and rituals
C) All cultural practices
D) Only performing arts
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: How many nominations is UNESCO currently reviewing?
A) 50
B) 67
C) 80
D) 100
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What is a key aspect of the review process for cultural nominations?
A) Economic viability
B) Community participation
C) Global popularity
D) Political endorsement
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
