لخّصلي

In today's ever-changing global landscape, 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?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.