ICH Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific
  • A large number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region have rich intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in diverse cultural environments. However, the wave of industrialization and urbanization have threatened the existence of this living heritage. Moreover, most countries in the region have not developed proper institutional measures for ICH safeguarding due to the lack of financial and technical factors. To implement appropriate ICH safeguarding activities by reflecting regional needs, it is very urgent to understand the current situations on ICH safeguarding in the region. Accordingly, ICHCAP has been collecting basic information on ICH safeguarding in the collaboration with the countries in the five sub-regions since 2009. Prior to the project implementation, ICHCAP developed a questionnaire about the information to be collected with consultations from ICH experts. On the basis of the questionnaire, the countries prepare and submit a report including following items: · Safeguarding system and policy · ICH inventory · Relevant organizations · Representative List of the ICH of Humanity · Living Human Treasures system · Pending issues and urgent needs on ICH safeguarding Each country submits some audiovisual materials on its major ICH elements along with the report, and these materials are used for enhancing visibility of ICH in the Asia-Pacific region. Between 2009 and 2017, ICHCAP has conducted the project in thirty four countries as follows: Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan East Asia - China, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Mongolia South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey Southeast Asia - Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Malaysia The Pacific - Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Papua New Guinea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Kiribat ICHCAP and the partner countries have achieved various outcomes—developing cooperative projects, building human resources pool, and expanding networks. Thanks to the great efforts by respected researchers in each country, the project, as a key programme in ICHCAP, has assisted in strengthening regional capacity and solidarity as well as international cooperation for safeguarding ICH in the region. ICHCAP will keep on its efforts over the next several years to cover all the Member States in the Asia-Pacific region. By sharing the project results, we hope to assist the Member States to initiate more effective and more appropriate ICH safeguarding activities.
  • Based on the ICHCAP Field Survey on Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in some South-East Asian countries (2009-2012), this summary provides a brief overview on the ICH situation in Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar . The summary focuses mainly on ICH safeguarding systems, safeguarding policies, and ICH inventories as well as on pending issues and the urgent safeguarding needs of these countries. Moreover, information on the main entities in charge of ICH safeguarding and opinions of each country on the issue of community involvement are provided. To give a quick overview these countries’ participation in ICH safeguarding at the international level, some additional information related to UNESCO is specified as well. Apart from the main topic, information on the situation of intellectual property related to ICH safeguarding in each country is included. This survey report offers a large sample of the diverse ICH situations in South-East Asian countries. Each country has a different background on the issue of intangible heritage. For instance, Indonesia is the only country participating in the field survey that has a programme in the Register of Best Practices. Viet Nam developed ICH-related definitions in its Law on Cultural Heritage; whereas the Philippines has a strong legislative background and solid network of public structures protecting cultural heritage. Cambodia recognises the link between cultural heritage and development of national economy and runs relevant activities on promoting traditional culture while maximizing its economic benefits to the country. For Laos, training local artists rather than researchers in ICH safeguarding, including IPR, is deemed to be essential, as the artists are the important resources that master their arts. Among the South-East Asian participants, Thailand and Myanmar are the newest to approach ICH safeguarding. Although all countries are concerned about the threats ICH faces, most countries participating in the survey haven’t defined ICH and haven’t established national ICH lists. Meanwhile, drawing up an inventory of traditional cultural expressions in different forms—register, cultural map, or database—is a common activity in these countries. Moreover, each country expresses a high degree of motivation and encouragement for safeguarding ICH, sharing experiences, and promoting international cooperation.

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