Britannica AI Icon

Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

2003

Quick Summary

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 2003, aims to protect living cultural expressions and traditions. Unlike World Heritage sites, which focus on tangible places and structures, this convention addresses intangible elements like performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge, and skills concerning nature and the universe, as well as traditional craftsmanship.12

The convention recognizes that intangible cultural heritage is vital for maintaining cultural diversity and is a source of identity and continuity for communities. It encourages international cooperation to safeguard these living expressions from threats such as globalization and lack of transmission between generations.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.