UNESCO Adds Endangered Traditional Arts and Crafts to Urgent Safeguarding List

UNESCO has taken a major step towards protecting global cultural diversity by inscribing several endangered traditional arts and crafts on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The move draws attention to cultural practices that are at risk of disappearing and require immediate protection, documentation, and community support to survive for future generations.

Key Inscriptions and Cultural Significance

Among the newly highlighted elements is the Boreendo, an ancient traditional musical instrument from Pakistan, symbolising the region’s rich oral and musical heritage. Other notable inclusions include the Mwazindika spiritual dance from Kenya, deeply rooted in community rituals, and the craft of Dong Ho folk woodblock printings from Vietnam, known for its distinctive artistic style and cultural storytelling. These inscriptions recognise both the artistic and social value of such practices.

Historic UNESCO Session in India

The session marking these inscriptions was held at the Red Fort, making it the first time India has hosted a UNESCO meeting of this nature. The historic setting underscored the importance of cultural heritage preservation and India’s growing role in global heritage governance. Hosting the session also highlighted the country’s own long-standing traditions of safeguarding diverse cultural expressions.

Global Participation and Review Process

More than 67 nominations submitted by nearly 80 countries are currently under UNESCO’s review. These nominations span a wide range of cultural practices, including music, dance, crafts, rituals, and traditional knowledge systems. The review process aims to assess the urgency of safeguarding needs and the feasibility of protection measures involving local communities.

Exam Oriented Facts

• UNESCO maintains a List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
• The Red Fort hosted a UNESCO heritage session for the first time.
• Boreendo is a traditional musical instrument from Pakistan.
• Dong Ho woodblock printing is a folk art tradition from Vietnam.

UNESCO’s Commitment to Cultural Diversity

The initiative reflects UNESCO’s broader commitment to protecting intangible heritage that shapes cultural identities worldwide. By focusing on endangered traditions, the organisation seeks to mobilise international cooperation, encourage community-led preservation, and ensure that cultural practices threatened by modernisation, migration, and socio-economic change continue to thrive.