This book presents a detailed analysis of the different approaches and measures for implementing the requirements of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (the Convention) and a practical interpretation of that treaty, based on the experience of States’ Parties and other primary actors. The book considers the interests of multiple stakeholders and takes account of how the Convention interacts with other international law regimes pertaining to both human rights and sustainable development. Key Features: Provides clear and concise information of the definition, scope and significance of intangible cultural heritage Utilises a wide-range of case studies to illustrate the application of the Convention on the ground. Considers the position of multiple stakeholders including national heritage organisations and non-state actors Outlines practical strategies and solutions for protecting and promoting cultural heritage and looks ahead to potential future developments in this field. Easy to follow structure, mapping out the treaty’s provisions thematically and highlighting their practical application Providing accessible and focused analysis, this book will be essential reading for lawyers and practitioners involved in the protection of intangible cultural heritage from both governmental and non-governmental institutions. The book will also be a valuable resource to academics and researchers working across various disciplines including law, heritage, and anthropology.

This book critically analyses the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO's latest and ground-breaking treaty in the area of cultural heritage protection. Intangible cultural heritage is broadly understood as the social processes that inform our living cultures, and our social cohesion and identity as communities and peoples. On the basis of this conception, the Treaty proposes to turn our understanding of how, for whom, and why heritage is safeguarded on its head, by putting communities, groups and individuals at the centre of the safeguarding process. The commentary, written by leading experts in the field from all continents and multiple disciplines, provides an authoritative guide to interpreting and implementing not only this Treaty, but also its ripple effects on how we think about cultural heritage and our experience with it as a part of our living cultures. This book is of interest to lawyers, policy-makers, anthropologists, cultural diplomacy specialists, archaeologists, cultural heritage studies experts, and, foremost, the people who practice and enact this heritage.