The Committee

1. Takes note that Paraguay has nominated Practices and traditional knowledge of Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana, Guaraní ancestral drink in Paraguay (no. 01603) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

The practices and traditional knowledge of Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana, Guaraní ancestral drink in Paraguay, are widespread in the Paraguayan territory and involve a variety of bearers. Terere is a traditional drink prepared in a jug or thermos, in which cold water is mixed with Pohã Ñana crushed in a mortar. It is served in a glass pre-filled with yerba mate and sucked with a bombilla (metal or cane straw). Preparing the Terere is an intimate ritual involving a series of pre-established codes and each Pohã Ñana herb has health benefits linked to popular wisdom passed down through the generations. Terere practices in the culture of Pohã Ñana have been transmitted in Paraguayan families since approximately the sixteenth century. Traditional knowledge about the healing attributes of the medicinal herbs that make up the Pohã Ñana and their correct use are also transmitted spontaneously within the family. In recent years, the figure of apprentices has risen, but family transmission remains the main mode of transmission. The practice of the Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana fosters social cohesion as the time and space dedicated to preparing and consuming the Terere promote inclusion, friendship, dialogue, respect and solidarity. The practice also strengthens new generations’ appreciation of the rich cultural and botanical heritage of Guaraní origin.

2. 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 practice of consuming Terere as a collective community act is based on the act of sharing and mutual trust and promotes inclusion, social equality and cultural diversity, as it does not distinguish between social class, religious beliefs, age or gender. The element also combines social, ritual and festive practices, knowledge and practices concerning nature and know-how linked to arts and crafts. The nomination file includes information related to the types of people and organizations involved in the production, sale, consumption and transmission of the element.

R.2:   The main characteristic of the element is that it brings all types of people together in a shared moment. Thus, its inscription on the Representative List would highlight the associated values of solidarity, empathy and harmony at the international level. Furthermore, the file describes the practice surrounding Terere as one of constant innovation, which has taken shape through and because of contact with other cultures, thus embodying human creativity and cultural diversity. The nomination file includes reflections both on intangible cultural heritage in general and on Terere more specifically, explaining that the inscription of the element on the Representative List would raise awareness about the Convention at the local, national and international levels.

R.3:   The file describes ‘spontaneous’ and ‘planned’ collective measures – both past and current – for ensuring the viability of the element. Past measures include day-to-day transmission of the practice, while current measures include festivals, dedicated festive days, modernization projects (for instance in relation to the locations where Terere is sold); and its representation at international fairs. According to the State Party, the inscription of Terere on the Representative List would not have any negative consequences for the element. The proposed safeguarding measures will have concrete outcomes, leading to improved living and working conditions for the bearers of the tradition, the development of a model of sustainable and rural tourism, and the inclusion of various stakeholders at all aspects of the management of the element.

3. Further considers that, on the basis of the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are satisfied:

R.4:   The State Party adopted a participatory approach to complete the nomination process. Various workshops and consultations with different stakeholders were conducted at the national and international levels, ensuring an inclusive process throughout the preparation of the nomination and the safeguarding of the element. The relevant communities participated in the nomination process in various ways. For example, interviews with community members were held during the field work and an investigation into the Terere as a traditional drink in Paraguay was carried out with the bearers.

R.5:   The element was included in the Book of Registration of National Cultural Heritage in 2019, which is maintained by the National Secretariat of Culture. The element was identified through the participation of the local community, including small producers, farmers and collectors of different ages. The safeguarding measures for the elements inscribed are monitored; elements are updated every two years, or more quickly in case of urgency or a complaint.

4. Decides to inscribe Practices and traditional knowledge of Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana, Guaraní ancestral drink in Paraguay on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;

5. Commends the State Party for its first inscription;

6. Encourages the State Party to ensure the primary role of the communities, groups and individuals concerned throughout the process of preparing the safeguarding measures;

7. Further encourages the State Party, when submitting nomination files in the future, to place more emphasis on the description of the role of women in the safeguarding of the elements, when women play a key role;

8. Also encourages the State Party, when submitting nomination files in the future, to avoid standardized letters of consent;

9. Reminds the State Party to pay specific attention to the linguistic quality of files submitted in the future.