Cultural heritage is what makes us unique as people. It can include family traditions, ethnicity, religion and a whole host of other things that define our background.
UNESCO’s definition of cultural heritage includes objects with outstanding universal value from the historical, architectural, commemorative, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological perspective. It also encompasses natural heritage.
What is Cultural Heritage?
When people hear the term cultural heritage, they often think of art (paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures), historical monuments and buildings and archaeological sites. But the concept of cultural heritage is much wider than that, and includes not only tangible but also intangible elements.
The intangible cultural heritage consists of practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills – as well as instruments, objects and artifacts associated with them – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their culture. It provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, and promotes respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.
It also consists of cultural heritage in its natural state, such as landscapes and natural features that are of outstanding universal value. However, what one considers cultural heritage may differ widely depending on factors such as education, social values, privilege/marginalization and personal identity. This is what makes it challenging to preserve and conserve cultural heritage.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Intangible cultural heritage consists of processes, phrases, know-how, and abilities that people recognize as part of their culture. It can include, for example, male rites of passage in the Yoruba tradition or the knowledge and skills of water bailiffs in Algeria. This heritage is vital for minority groups and mainstream social groups alike, as it strengthens their sense of identity and contributes to social cohesion and respect for human creativity.
Integrating this heritage into education can help promote its preservation. By doing so, it builds a bridge between the past and the present and fosters intercultural dialogue. In addition, it can foster economic development by establishing channels for sustainable employment in traditional craft and performing arts communities. The projects and tools found in this clearinghouse can guide educators and other professionals to develop informed approaches for integrating ICH into their learning spaces. However, it should be noted that each learning space is different and presents specific opportunities and challenges.
What is Tangible Cultural Heritage?
The preservation of tangible cultural heritage is often a top priority for communities because it provides a direct link to the past. It demonstrates an acknowledgment that the past is important, and that it should be passed on to future generations.
Tangible cultural heritage includes architectural sites, monuments and other physical artifacts of a culture. These are the types of objects that are protected by UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The list is meant to show the universal importance of these items. It also reflects the different cultures of the world and the diverse nature of human creativity.
UNESCO also acknowledges the importance of intangible cultural heritage. This includes the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that are invested with cultural significance by a society. Examples include oral traditions, performing arts and traditional skills. They are often referred to as living cultural heritage, and are included in the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What is Sustaining Cultural Heritage?
Cultural heritage is not only an important part of a nation’s or community’s identity, but also contributes to social capital and economic growth and ensures environmental sustainability. But cultural heritage faces a variety of threats, including lack of funding and resources, neglect or decay, destruction caused by conflict and terrorism (such as the recent destruction of Palmyra), and natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Sustaining cultural heritage requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal protection, training and education, and collaborative partnerships and initiatives. Traditionally, people who worked with cultural heritage came from an academic background – such as archaeology or art history – but it is becoming more and more clear that managers and curators must have management skills in addition to their expertise in the discipline. They must find ways to attract tourists, develop sustainable use strategies, and support green jobs for local communities around protected sites. It is also important to work together internationally, as the preservation of cultural heritage often transcends national boundaries.