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Protecting our

intangible' cultural heritage?That is why in 2008 it published its first

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.You may

already know of UNESCO's famous list of World

Heritage Sites, consisting of places selected for

special protection because of their value to the

world, such as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt or

the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.5 Both Jeju Haenyeo and falconry illustrate the

tremendous range of cultural practices which the

ICH list was created to preserve. 2 The answer, according to UNESCO (United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Protecting our

intangible' cultural heritage?

by Linda Barker

within families. Yet today, most of the divers are

in their 60s, 70s or 80s. As they have become

older, younger women have not stepped in to

take their place, meaning the practice is in danger

of disappearing.

4 Another cultural practice added to the ICH list

in the same year is falconry. This is the ancient

custom of hunting with trained birds of prey,

such as falcons and hawks. Regarded as both an

art form and a sport, it requires years of training

and discipline. Falconry is practised around the

world from France to Mongolia to the United Arab

Emirates, which is home to the world's first falcon

hospital and each year hosts a falcon 'beauty

contest. Sadly, falconry is now threatened by the

growth of cities and the loss of natural habitats.

There are fears that the practice may disappear

unless efforts to preserve it are successful.

5 Both Jeju Haenyeo and falconry illustrate the

tremendous range of cultural practices which the

ICH list was created to preserve. And yet, while

most of us would agree that UNESCO's efforts

are valuable, I find myself questioning the fairness

and usefulness of the ICH list. Why are some

customs and practices included while others are

not? Who decides this? Does inclusion on the list

make a difference in the long term? In this age of

rapid globalization, when fewer young people are

interested in learning about the customs of their

ancestors, it may already be too late to preserve

much of our diverse and precious cultural heritage.

But for the benefit of future generations, I believe

we must never stop trying.

'intangible (adi) something which exists although you cannot

1 In today's ever-changing global iandscape, most

of us recognize the importance of preserving

our own unique cultural heritage. But what do

we save? A magnificent building which is under

threat? A historical part of a city? An important

work of art? All of these are significant, but

what about our songs, stories, ceremonies and

traditional practices? These intangible aspects of

our culture can be just as meaningful as anything

we build or create. Shouldn't they also be

preserved for future generations to experience

and enjoy?

2 The answer, according to UNESCO (United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

is yes. That is why in 2008 it published its first

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. You may

already know of UNESCO's famous list of World

Heritage Sites, consisting of places selected for

special protection because of their value to the

world, such as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt or

the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. However, the

ICH list is different. Its purpose is to record living

customs and traditions which are endangered

by globalization. These include languages and

spoken traditions (such as storytelling and poetry).

performing arts, traditional crafts and local

knowledge and beliefs.

3 Today, there are more than 400 customs and

traditions on the ICH list. Two recent entries

show us just how rich and varied are the practices

selected for protection. The culture of the Jeju

Haenyeo, the women divers of Jeju Island in South

Korea, was added to the list in 2016. These amazing

women dive 10 m under the sea to get food -

without the use of breathing equipment. They do

this for up to seven hours a day, 90 days of the

year, holding their breath for about one minute

Cevery dive. Knowledge about diving practices

is passed down from generation to generation

touch it

'heritage (n) traditions, languages or buildings belonging to the

culture of a particular society which were created in the past

and still have importance