The Committee,

1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques’ (submitted by Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the thirteenth session of the Committee in 2018 (Decision 13.COM 10.b.10),
2. Takes note that Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Ireland and Luxembourg have nominated Art of dry stone construction, knowledge and techniques (No. 02106) for inscription, on an extended basis to include Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg and Spain (the latter as a national extension), on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

The art of dry stone construction refers to the practice of building with stone without using binding material. Practised in various countries in Europe, it requires an innate understanding of geometry and physics, as well as skills to handle the raw materials used. Dry stone construction is achieved through the careful selection and arrangement of stones to ensure the long-term stability of the structure and its adaptation to the local terrain and climate. Structures include houses, bridges, piers, arches, tombs, sheds, paths, vaulted cellars, beehive huts, religious structures and fortifications. An inherently social practice, dry stone construction promotes social cohesion through collaboration and the transmission of the related techniques and knowledge to future generations. To the communities involved, dry stone structures are sources of pride and identifying factors given the structures’ distinct visual impact on local landscapes. By its very nature, the art of dry stone construction encourages dialogue as communities work together to build, maintain and restore structures of widely ranging sizes and weights. The practice also fosters mutual respect for cultural diversity through collaboration at local, regional, national and international levels, as practitioners from different regions and countries travel to work together and learn from each other.

3. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The art of dry stone construction is the practice of building with stone without using binding material. The file explains the modes of transmission through formal and non-formal training and education in the submitting States requesting the extension. The knowledge of the element is part of sustainable land management and represents an important mitigation to the effects of climate change. The art of dry stone construction encourages dialogue as communities work together to build, maintain and restore structures of widely ranging sizes and weights. It fosters a sense of identity as practitioners must understand and work with their specific natural environment. The practice also fosters mutual respect for cultural diversity through collaboration at local, regional, national and international levels, as practitioners from different regions and countries travel to work together and learn from each other.

R.2:   The file states that dry stone construction contributes to the protection of biodiversity, health and well-being, sustainable development and social cohesion. It fosters respect for cultural diversity through collaborations at local, regional, national and international levels. The contribution of the element to sustainable development was demonstrated through community voices embedded in the supporting documents attached to the file, including the videos.

R.3:   The original communities provided updates on completed, ongoing and new safeguarding measures, while those seeking the extension shared their implemented and planned actions. This exchange allowed all participating communities to discuss and compare their different safeguarding initiatives. Such interactions provided opportunities to learn from and share effective safeguarding practices, as well as to join existing or planned international efforts. The communities concerned continue to collaborate with schools, scientists, public bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to safeguard the element at local, national and international levels. The safeguarding measures include promotion and enhancement, documentation and research, education, training and skills certification, and international partnerships and networking.

R.4:   The request to extend the inscription was initiated by the newly joining communities, who recognized the potential for closer collaboration among bearers and practitioners across all participating countries. The communities from the original States that inscribed the element, along with relevant international associations, were approached with the extension request. They all supported the initiative and took part in meetings between the original and newly joining communities. National working groups, including representatives from the dry stone construction communities, were formed in each country to prepare the file. The original communities updated their information from the initial nomination, and the original and new communities engaged in international exchanges to propose and plan new collective safeguarding measures. Drafts were shared with all communities for review and finalization of the information in the file.

R.5:   The newly joining States Parties submitted all the necessary information regarding the inclusion of the element in their respective national inventories. This information includes the names of the inventories, dates of inclusion and reference numbers of the element, as well as the agencies responsible for updating and maintaining the inventories. Information regarding the inventorying process for all five submitting States Parties requesting the extension is also available in the periodic reports submitted in 2021.

4. Decides to inscribe Art of dry stone construction, knowledge and techniques on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
5. Further takes note that the present nomination is an inscription on an extended basis which incorporates and replaces ‘Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques’ (No. 01393), previously inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018;
6. Commends the States Parties on a well-prepared file that features strong participation of the communities, groups and individuals concerned.