Benefitting country(ies): Thailand

Overview:

This two-year project seeks to enhance the capacity of five ethnic groups and relevant stakeholders in Thailand to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The ethnic groups (Pgakenyaw Karen, Pwo Karen, Moken, Moklen and Urak Lawoi) were chosen on the basis of their vulnerability and their willingness to engage in the safeguarding activities. The project entails establishing the Field School for Capacity-Building in Safeguarding Living Heritage of Ethnic Communities as a platform for: (a) organizing hands-on trainings for ethnic communities as well as government, academic and development workers in inventorying and safeguarding the ICH of ethnic communities; (b) implementing fieldwork activities to inventory ICH, transmit and develop safeguarding plans, and coordinate visits between the different ethnic groups to exchange knowledge and build networks; (c) undertaking public communication and advocacy activities; and (d) producing technical and policy guidance. These activities respond to the risks posed to the ICH of ethnic groups in Thailand, which could lead to loss of identity and self-sufficiency. The project is expected to mitigate these risks while driving policy and leading to the establishment of long-term networks that will be mutually beneficial and supportive to current and future policies affecting ethnic groups in Thailand.

16/05/2022 - 15/05/2025 – Tais, traditional textile20/08/2024 - 30/04/2025 – Social practices and cultural elements of Toare Gulf mask festival