A capacity building workshop dedicated to the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ecuador was held on 17 and 18 May 2012 in Quito.

The workshop was organized by UNESCO Quito Office in close cooperation with the National Institute for Cultural Heritage (INPC) with the objective to strengthen capacities of those INPC civil servants who are not specialized or directly involved in intangible cultural heritage activities. The two days seminar provided them with a better understanding of the specificities of ICH, the basic concepts and methods as presented by the 2003 Convention, with the aim to improve coordination with ICH-related activities within the INPC.

The workshop addressed issues such as the differences between the 1972, 2003 and 2005 Conventions, the benefits and obligations and opportunities of the 2003 Convention, safeguarding measures and the roles of the different stakeholders involved in the management of ICH, as well as issues related to sustainable development and the Convention’s lists.

Mr Domingo Carranza, president of the weavers community of Pile, known for his expertise in elaboration of traditional woven straw hats in Montecristi shared the experience in elaborating a nomination file for the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The training session was facilitated by Mr Fabian Bedón from Ecuador.