Decisión del Comité intergubernamental: 19.COM 7.C.3

The Committee,

  1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges’ on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by the fourth session of the Committee in 2009 (Decision 4.COM 14.03),
  2. Further recalling the latest periodic report submitted by China on the status of this element as examined by the seventeenth session of the Committee in 2022 (Decision 17.COM 6.a.11),
  3. Takes note of the request submitted by China to transfer Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges (No. 02156) from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Wooden arch bridges are found in Fujian Province and Zhejiang Province, along China’s southeast coast. The traditional design and practices for building these bridges combine the use of wood, traditional architectural tools, craftsmanship, the core technologies of ‘beam-weaving’ and mortise and tenon joints, and an experienced woodworker’s understanding of different environments and the necessary structural mechanics. The wooden arch bridges respond to the needs of local communities while taking into consideration the environment and the management of natural resources. They are a reflection of the value of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The element was first inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding as the tradition had declined over the years due to rapid urbanization, scarcity of timber and lack of available construction space, all of which combine to threaten its transmission and survival. Today, the element remains a source of livelihood for woodworkers, the bridges – and the traditional techniques and knowledge used to build them – are also an integral part of the cultural ecosystem of local villages. They serve as communication channels and cultural spaces, thus enhancing community harmony and cultural identity. Local communities and woodworkers of all genders participate in the construction, maintenance and use of the bridges, as well as in the related folk practices. The associated skills, knowledge, history and culture have been integrated into formal education as valuable resources for local cultural development. This has helped to spread awareness of the practice among youth while promoting local traditions and living heritage in general.

  1. Considers that, from the information included in the request and the periodic report on the status of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the request satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The ‘Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges’ represent a comprehensive system of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing a range of skills, techniques, and knowledge developed in response to local environmental conditions. The bearers of the element construct bridges that have been integral to local communities for centuries. These practices are primarily transmitted within families or through apprenticeship systems, ensuring the continuity of knowledge across generations. The bridges also play a significant cultural role, with ritual ceremonies held during festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival and Qixi Festival, where community participation, especially by women, is central to the events. These ceremonies are not only cultural expressions but also reinforce the social fabric of the communities. The periodic report further explains that the viability of the element has improved since the inscription in 2009, and the population of bearers and the frequency of practice of the element has increased, and the transmission of the element has been strengthened. This was achieved due to the joint efforts of multiple actors, especially due to the contributions of the communities.

R.2:   The element contains traditional techniques, practices and knowledge systems created by local communities in response to the natural environment, production needs, and resource management. This reflects a deep understanding of the principle of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, providing sustainable livelihoods for craftspeople. The skills, knowledge and history related to the element have been integrated into formal education as valuable resources for local cultural education, aimed at raising young people’s awareness of the element and of intangible cultural heritage in general. The submitting State affirms that the communities involved recognize the element’s contributions to quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic development, and environmental sustainability. The information provided is sufficient and convincing, demonstrating that the inscription of the element will enhance visibility and awareness of the significance of intangible cultural heritage.

R.4:   Various letters of consent from the communities have been submitted, confirming their agreement to transfer the ‘Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges’ from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination for the transfer was conducted with the free, prior, and informed consent of the communities concerned, as evidenced by additional documentation provided by the community representatives and organizations.

R.5:   The submitting State confirms that the element remains included in the national inventory as described under the original criteria U.5, with no changes to its status. The inventory name, the entity responsible for maintaining it, the reference number of the element, and the date of its inclusion in the inventory remain consistent with the original listing.

  1. Further considers that, from the information included in the request and periodic report on the status of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the request satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.3:   During the reporting period, the communities, groups, and individuals involved actively engaged in various safeguarding activities in collaboration with governments at all levels and other stakeholders. The periodic report emphasises the proactive involvement of communities in both planning and implementing these safeguarding measures, with clear timetables and budgets established. The updated safeguarding plan in Section C of the report highlights various initiatives, such as promoting the transmission of essential skills and knowledge by master craftspeople, discovering creative methods to engage younger generations, and increasing awareness through diverse media channels. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to safeguarding the element and enhancing its viability. The dialogue process provided an opportunity for the submitting State to clarify and explain the effectiveness of the safeguarding measures. This additional information demonstrated that the element’s viability has been sufficiently strengthened.

  1. Decides to transfer Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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