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Protecting our intangible' cultural heritage2 1 In today's ever-changing global landscape, most of us recognize the importance of preserving our own unique cultural heritage.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.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.'intangible (adj) something which exists although you cannot touch it 2heritage (n) traditions, languages or buildings belonging to the culture of a particular society which were created in the past and still have importanceThese include languages and spoken traditions (such as storytelling and poetry), performing arts, traditional crafts and local knowledge and beliefs.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'.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.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.Its purpose is to record living customs and traditions which are endangered by globalization.Two recent entries show us just how rich and varied are the practices selected for protection.All of these are significant, but what about our songs, stories, ceremonies and traditional practices?

Protecting our intangible' cultural heritage²
1 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?
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
UNIT 4
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
every dive. Knowledge about diving practices
is passed down from generation to generation
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 (adj) something which exists although you cannot
touch it
2heritage (n) traditions, languages or buildings belonging to the
culture of a particular society which were created in the past
and still have importance