UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

07/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2024 02:16

Nepal Prepares to Submit Report on Implementing the Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage

The information generated from the consultation will contribute to Nepal's voluntary submission on June 15th for inclusion of relevant data into the Global Report on Cultural Policies. This report is being prepared by UNESCO for publication in 2025, as requested by member states at the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development - MONDIACULT 2022. The workshop aimed not only to prepare the report but also to establish a participatory approach for ongoing safeguarding efforts. The information gathered will aid in developing strategies and a roadmap for regular data sharing, monitoring, and reporting.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Hon. Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation emphasized Nepal's immense responsibility to preserve its cultural heritage, given the country's vast diversity. Meanwhile, Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, stressed the significance of Nepal's living heritage, noting that it influences every aspect of the country's development and shapes how Nepalis perceive themselves and their place in the world.

UNESCO

During the workshop, participants were introduced to the 2003 Convention, its reformed periodic reporting system with a results-based approach, the requirements of the reporting, its importance, benefits, relevant data sources, and group work. The key thematic areas included:

  • Overall Results Framework of the Convention

  • Institutional and Human Capacities

  • Transmission and Education

  • Inventorying and Research

  • Policy as well as Legal and Administrative Measures

  • Roles of ICH and its Safeguarding in Society

  • Awareness Raising and Engagement of Communities

Through discussions, group work, and presentations, the consultation gathered case examples, explored linkages with other sectors such as education and health, and addressed challenges in safeguarding living culture. Major stakeholders included representatives from ministries, municipalities, the National Statistics Office, the Curriculum Development Centre, the National Planning Commission, as well as experts and practitioners from Tribhuvan University, academies of literature, fine arts, music and drama, the Guthi Corporation, and Indigenous institutions. Participants unanimously agreed that this proactive approach is crucial for the continuous protection of Nepal's living heritage.

During the reflection session, Dr. Sandhya Khanal from Tribhuvan University emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in report preparation, highlighting the involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Her call to action underscores that safeguarding is an ongoing process requiring sustained effort, research, and cooperation. She expressed her commitment to take necessary action to include ICH in the University curriculum.

Looking ahead, the consultation process will continue to take stock of progress and address challenges encountered in safeguarding ICH with the appointment of focal persons from participating institutions. These focal persons will ensure regular data sharing and help feed into the reporting process at the national level. From June to December 2024, efforts will be extended to the local level in liaison with the relevant provincial ministries, ensuring a participatory approach for the final report submission. The results of the national reporting will provide a vital baseline for the future implementation of safeguarding efforts in Nepal.

UNESCO
UNESCO
UNESCO

Why the Reporting?

The Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) requires State Parties to submit Periodic Reports to the Committee on the legislative, regulatory, and other measures taken for the implementation of the Convention. Nepal ratified it on June 15, 2010, and is required to submit a report under the reformed Periodic Reporting mechanism by December 15, 2024.

Periodic reporting allows State Parties to assess the implementation of the Convention, evaluate their capacities in safeguarding ICH, report on their inventories, and update the status of elements inscribed on the Representative List. It also fosters international collaboration by allowing countries to share their experiences and strategies for protecting their living heritage. Nepal is one of 42 countries participating in the periodic reporting in Asia and the Pacific, and among 21 countries submitting their reports for the first time.