UNESCO Workshop in Gansu Focuses on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Economic Growth

The experts used participatory methods to engage attendees, emphasizing community empowerment as crucial to effectively safeguarding ICH.

From September 24 to 26, 2024, UNESCO, in collaboration with the World Bank and Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, held a pivotal workshop aimed at reinforcing community participation and sustainable growth through the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The workshop was attended by over 60 delegates, including government officials, cultural experts, and researchers.

The workshop, titled “Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Economic Growth in Gansu,” was organized as part of the "Gansu's Revitalization and Innovation Project." It focused on addressing both the opportunities and challenges faced by Gansu, a culturally rich region with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, in preserving its ICH. The workshop sought to enhance understanding and implementation of UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, emphasizing the importance of ICH in sustainable economic development.

Opening Remarks and Framework

Ms. Wang Fengying, Vice Chairman of the Dunhuang CPPCC Committee, and Dr. Duong Bich Hanh, Programme Specialist for Culture at UNESCO's Regional Office for East Asia, delivered the opening speeches. They highlighted the essential role the 2003 Convention plays in ensuring the safeguarding of ICH, which in turn supports sustainable development, particularly in regions like Gansu where cultural heritage forms a critical part of local identity and economic potential.

Expert-Led Discussions and Local Insights

The workshop featured insights from international and local experts. UNESCO facilitators Ananya Bhattacharya and Tara Gujadhur led several sessions focused on key themes such as:

The 2003 Convention and its Local Application

The Role of Communities in ICH Safeguarding

ICH and Sustainable Development

The Economic Dimension of ICH Safeguarding

The experts used participatory methods to engage attendees, emphasizing community empowerment as crucial to effectively safeguarding ICH. By drawing from Gansu’s unique context, the facilitators underscored how community-led initiatives can directly contribute to economic development, particularly when local heritage is preserved and integrated into broader development plans.

Local cultural practitioners also contributed to the discussions. Professor Liu Weihua, from the Gansu Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, presented a detailed overview of China’s ICH protection framework, helping participants understand how policies can be tailored for Gansu's specific cultural landscape.

One notable contribution came from Mr. Du Yongwei, a renowned inheritor of the Dunhuang painted sculpture, who emphasized the significance of preserving ancient crafts while actively engaging younger generations to ensure the continuity of this rich cultural tradition. Additionally, Mr. Lu Guangcheng, Executive Director of Gansu Taohe Inkstone Culture and Development Co., Ltd., highlighted innovative strategies for incorporating ICH into socio-economic development, such as leveraging social media and artificial intelligence to promote cultural heritage in modern markets.

Field Visits and Hands-On Learning

In addition to lectures and discussions, participants toured significant ICH sites, including the ICH Base in Mogaoli Village and the Dunhuang ICH Protection Center. These field visits allowed delegates to observe first-hand the practical safeguarding measures currently in place. The visits sparked lively discussions on improving existing efforts and boosting community involvement to ensure that these initiatives not only preserve cultural traditions but also generate sustainable economic benefits for local communities.

Empowering Communities Through Technology and Innovation

The workshop concluded with a renewed focus on how the integration of technology and modern economic strategies can enhance ICH safeguarding. Experts and participants alike stressed that safeguarding ICH goes beyond preserving ancient practices. It involves adapting these practices to contemporary life, using technology to expand reach and engagement, and embedding ICH into local and regional economic strategies.

Ms. Bhattacharya and Ms. Gujadhur encouraged attendees to explore creative solutions, such as utilizing data-driven approaches and social media platforms to raise awareness about local cultural heritage. The workshop emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence in cataloging and promoting ICH, allowing for more efficient preservation and transmission of knowledge to future generations.

A Model for Future ICH Initiatives

As the workshop wrapped up, there was a shared recognition that the collaborative, community-based approach to ICH safeguarding is essential for sustainable development. By empowering local communities and integrating modern technological tools, ICH can evolve and thrive in a way that not only preserves cultural heritage but also enhances economic opportunities.

“Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is not just about protecting the past—it’s about investing in the future,” said Dr. Hanh. “By ensuring that these traditions remain relevant and vibrant, we enrich our collective global heritage and open up new avenues for economic growth and social cohesion.”

The Gansu workshop serves as a blueprint for how other regions can leverage their cultural heritage to foster sustainable development, combining traditional knowledge with innovative practices to build a more inclusive and resilient future.