The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) provides two lists and a register. Nominations for the lists of the Convention are submitted by the States Parties concerned only and are evaluated by the Subsidiary Body and the Intergovernmental Committee for the 2003 Convention according to certain criteria.
1. Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
It aims to provide greater visibility to the intangible cultural heritage in general, raise awareness of its importance and encourage dialogue in respect of cultural diversity.
2. List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
It aims to mobilize attention and international cooperation in order to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage whose viability is at risk despite the efforts exerted by the community and the State(s) Party(ies). It takes note of the safeguarding measures elaborated by the State Party with the participation and involvement of the communities.
3. Register of Best Safeguarding Practices
It aims to select programs, projects and activities at the national, sub-regional and regional levels in order to stimulate exchanges and international cooperation concerning programs having had positive effects and to constitute a source of inspiration for States, communities and anyone interested in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.
UNESCO has created the international Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the promotion and protection of masterpieces of humanity’s intangible heritage. So far, Cyprus has inscribed five elements on the Representative List: ‘’Lefkara laces’’ in 2009, ‘’Tsiattista poetic duelling’’ in 2011, ‘’Mediterranean diet’’ in 2013 (in collaboration with Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Morocco and Portugal), ‘’The art of dry stone walling, knowledge and technique’’ in 2018 (in collaboration with France, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia) and ‘’Byzantine Chant’’ in 2019 (in collaboration with Greece).
The International Tocatì Festival and traditional games of Cyprus are included in the UNESCO List of Good Practices for the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The acknowledgement took place during the 17th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held in Rabat, Morocco, from November 28 to December 3, 2022.
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