A new momentum for living heritage in Central American countries

20 September 2012

Thanks to the generous contribution of Spain to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua have embarked on a series of activities to strengthen their institutional capacities for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage present in their countries. UNESCO has started working closely with national counterpart to revise the policy and legislative frameworks and develop inventory systems to identify and safeguard the rich diversity of knowledge systems, rituals and cultural practices which communities of the sub-region wish to transmit to future generations. The work will continue over a period of 18 months.

Garifuna, Maya, Afro-Caribbean and Mestizo, and related communities benefit from their living heritage which provides them with a sense of joy and belonging, contributes to their well-being and the sustainable development of their communities. At a time when young people are in search for a meaningful future, the participation in recreating the living heritage of one’s communities carries new meaning. The project is part of UNESCO Global strategy to strengthen national capacities for safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage.

• El SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua