The 2003 Convention, which is the first binding multilateral instrument for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage, enriches and supplements existing international agreements, recommendations and resolutions concerning the cultural and natural heritage.
The main safeguarding measure proposed in the Convention is the drawing up of inventories. States Parties are also encouraged to adopt appropriate legal, technical, administrative and financial measures aimed at:
- fostering the creation or strengthening of institutions for training in the management of the intangible cultural heritage and the transmission of such heritage through forums and spaces intended for the performance or expression thereof;
- ensuring access to the intangible cultural heritage while respecting customary practices governing access to specific aspects of such heritage;
- establishing documentation institutions for the intangible cultural heritage and facilitating access to them.