Astūrijas sidrs, Tomjum Kung zupa, arābu kafija. UNESCO sarakstos iekļautas 63 jaunas vērtības / Raksts
UNESCO Adds New Treasures too Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists
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Paris, France – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Association (UNESCO) has announced the addition of numerous cultural practices and traditions to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. These additions highlight the diversity and richness of human expression around the world, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these traditions for future generations.
This year, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized three initiatives with its prestigious “Register of Good Safeguarding Practices” award. These initiatives, chosen for their triumphant efforts in preserving cultural heritage, include:
The Vocational School of Customary crafts ULUV (Slovakia): This school focuses on passing down traditional craft skills to younger generations, ensuring their survival.
The Sustainable Development Program for the Traditions of Kobza and Bandura Playing (Ukraine): This program works to revitalize and promote the playing of these traditional Ukrainian musical instruments.
The Oman Youth Sailing Program – Peace and Cultural Dialog (Oman): This program utilizes traditional sailing vessels to foster intercultural understanding and promote peace.
Two new additions were made to the “List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding,” which highlights traditions facing imminent threats. These include:
the Rainmaking and Well-being Ritual of vosana and Associated Practices (Botswana): This ritual,crucial to the community’s agricultural practices and spiritual well-being,is facing challenges due to modernization and climate change.
The Reog Ponorogo Ritual Performance (Indonesia): This vibrant masked dance performance, deeply rooted in local history and mythology, is struggling to attract younger generations.
The “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” saw the addition of 58 new elements this year, showcasing a diverse range of cultural expressions from around the globe.
Among the new additions are numerous festivals and traditional celebrations, such as:
novruz (also known as Nauruz, Nevruz, Navrus): This New Year’s party, observed by 13 countries across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the caucasus, marks the arrival of spring and renewal. Spring Festival (China): Also known as Chinese New Year, this vibrant festival celebrates the beginning of the lunar calendar with family reunions, traditional foods, and colorful festivities.
The list also includes various craft traditions, such as:
The Know-How of Zinc Roofing in Paris (France): This specialized craft, passed down through generations, involves the intricate art of creating and installing zinc roofs on Parisian buildings.
The Making and Wearing of Norwegian folk Costumes (Norway): These elaborate costumes, often adorned with intricate embroidery and traditional patterns, represent regional identities and cultural heritage.
Aleppo Soap Making (syria): This ancient tradition involves the production of high-quality soap using natural ingredients and traditional methods.
Several gastronomic traditions were also recognized, including:
Asturian Cider Culture (Spain): This tradition revolves around the production, consumption, and social rituals associated with cider, a beloved beverage in the Asturias region.
Tom yum Kung Soup Making (Thailand): This iconic Thai soup, known for its spicy and sour flavors, is a culinary symbol of the country.
Malaysian Breakfast Culture (Malaysia): This vibrant breakfast culture features a variety of dishes, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Arab Coffee (united Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan): This traditional coffee, brewed and served with specific rituals, plays a central role in social gatherings and hospitality.
saké Brewing Traditions (Japan): This ancient tradition involves the meticulous process of brewing sake, Japan’s national alcoholic beverage.
Estonia submitted two nominations to the list:
Mulgikapsas Making and Eating in Mulgimaa County: This tradition celebrates the preparation and consumption of Mulgikapsas, a hearty Estonian dish made with sauerkraut, pork, and barley.
* Pysanka, Ukrainian Easter Egg Decoration (joint nomination with Ukraine): This intricate art form involves decorating eggs with traditional Ukrainian patterns and symbols.
The additions to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage lists highlight the importance of preserving cultural diversity and promoting intercultural understanding. These traditions, passed down through generations, enrich our lives and connect us to our shared human heritage.
Latvia Champions Cultural Heritage Preservation at UNESCO Meeting
Asunción, Paraguay – Latvia joined the international community in reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The meeting, held in Asunción, Paraguay, brought together representatives from over 180 countries to discuss strategies for preserving diverse cultural traditions worldwide.
The session focused on implementing the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage.Delegates reviewed reports from member states, highlighting successful initiatives and challenges faced in protecting cultural practices, knowledge, and expressions.
“It was inspiring to witness the global commitment to preserving our shared cultural heritage,” said Gita Lancere, Latvia’s expert on intangible cultural heritage at the Latvian National Cultural Center. “The diversity of traditions represented at the meeting underscored the importance of this work.”
A key highlight of the session was a joint declaration condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its devastating impact on both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The declaration, co-signed by Latvia and other nations, emphasized the urgent need to protect Ukraine’s cultural treasures amidst the ongoing conflict.
“The solidarity shown towards Ukraine was truly moving,” Lancere added. “It demonstrated the power of cultural heritage to unite us in times of adversity.”
The meeting also featured presentations and discussions on various aspects of intangible cultural heritage, including the role of non-governmental organizations in its preservation. Latvian representatives actively participated in these discussions, sharing their expertise and experiences.
Lancere highlighted the significance of the UNESCO convention, noting that two more countries – South Africa and Sierra Leone – ratified the agreement in 2024, bringing the total number of signatory states to 183.
“This growing global commitment underscores the universal recognition of intangible cultural heritage as a valuable asset that deserves protection for future generations,” she concluded.
Global Experts Gather for UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meeting
Paris, France – Over 900 participants from 120 countries convened in Paris this week for the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The gathering, which runs through July 31, brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including committee members from 24 countries, delegations from UNESCO member states, representatives from non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental institutions, as well as researchers, experts, and community representatives dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.The opening ceremony saw welcoming remarks from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, her Deputy Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone, and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña.
This year’s session promises to be a crucial one, with the committee set to review nominations for new World Heritage sites, discuss the state of conservation of existing sites, and address emerging challenges facing cultural heritage worldwide.
UNESCO,the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization,plays a vital role in promoting international cooperation in education,science,culture,dialogue,and facts.With 193 member states, UNESCO works to foster peace, social well-being, and sustainable development. The United states joined UNESCO in 1945 and actively participates in its programs and initiatives.
UNESCO Recognizes Global Heritage: A Conversation with Dr. elena Ramirez
Welcome back to NewsDirectory3.com! today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena ramirez, a renowned anthropologist and UNESCO consultant specializing in intangible cultural heritage. Dr. Ramirez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ramirez: It’s a pleasure to be here.
The recent UNESCO meeting saw the addition of numerous traditions and practices to the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. What are your thoughts on these additions?
Dr.Ramirez: This year’s additions are truly remarkable, reflecting the vast diversity of human expression around the world. It’s heartening to see UNESCO recognizing not only vibrant festivals and artistic traditions but also crucial skills like zinc roofing in Paris and the making of Aleppo soap.
the “Register of Good Safeguarding Practices” award this year highlights initiatives dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. Could you elaborate on some of these chosen initiatives?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. The Vocational School of Customary Crafts ULUV in Slovakia is a fantastic example. They’re actively engaging younger generations in learning time-honored craft skills,ensuring the continuity of these practices.
Similarly, the Enduring growth Program for the Traditions of Kobza and Bandura Playing in Ukraine is crucial for reviving conventional musical instruments and their associated cultural knowledge.
While celebrations are in order, there are also elements added to the “List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding.” What are the challenges facing these traditions?
Dr. Ramirez: Two important additions this year are the Rainmaking Ritual of vosana in Botswana and the Reog Ponorogo Ritual Performance in Indonesia. These traditions face threats from modernization, climate change, and a lack of interest among younger generations. We must prioritize safeguarding them through community engagement and awareness-building initiatives.
Estonia submitted two nominations to the Representative List this year. Can you tell us about these submissions?
Dr.Ramirez: Estonia’s nominations highlight the meaning of food culture in preserving heritage. Mulgikapsas Making and Eating showcases a beloved national dish, while the Pysanka tradition, a joint nomination with Ukraine, emphasizes the artistry and symbolism of egg decorating. these elements contribute to a holistic understanding of Estonian cultural identity.
Thank you,Dr. Ramirez, for sharing your insights. These additions to UNESCO’s lists remind us of the critical importance of safeguarding our shared human heritage for generations to come.
Dr. Ramirez: Indeed. Cultural diversity is a priceless treasure, and everyone has a role to play in its preservation.