The Committee,

1. Having examined document LHE/25/20.COM/6.a,
2. Recalling Chapter V of the Operational Directives and its Decisions COM 10.a.3 and 16.COM 7.a.4,
3. Expresses its appreciation to Portugal for submitting, on time, its second report on the status of the element ‘Bisalhães black pottery manufacturing process’, inscribed in 2016 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding;
4. Takes note of the State Party’s commitment to safeguarding the element, notably through the systematic assessment and implementation of safeguarding measures, and the efforts to enhance the viability of the element through capacity-building, training programmes, and awareness-raising and educational activities, with the involvement of bearers and local stakeholders;
5. Further takes note of the efforts of national and local stakeholders to promote the element beyond municipal and regional boundaries, as well as of the educational initiatives aimed at younger generations and potential future bearers;
6. Encourages the State Party to continue improving potters’ working conditions and to ensure their access to clay and other necessary resources;
7. Further encourages the State Party to pursue efforts to document the element and revitalize its practice, and to support community-led initiatives aimed at safeguarding the element, while also promoting awareness of the evolving and dynamic nature of intangible cultural heritage.