1 November 2025
Generously supported by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, a multi-year project was implemented in Tanzania (2022-2024) to build national and local capacities, promote awareness and enhance policy development for the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Through close collaboration among communities, cultural practitioners, and government institutions, the initiative aimed to ensure the long-term safeguarding of living heritage in Tanzania and contribute to sustainable development across the country.
Among the multiple activities, capacity-building workshops gathered key stakeholders – including government officials, cultural practitioners and civil society representatives – to learn more about the key principles and concepts of the 2003 Convention. Community engagement was central to the project, and 20 participants received training on the community-based inventorying methods in Bagamoyo last July 2024.
A documentary on intangible cultural heritage in Tanzania was produced to highlight the diverse practices, knowledge and traditions of various communities serving as a powerful educational resource that fosters public awareness and appreciation of living heritage. Widely disseminated through digital platforms, cultural festivals and educational institutions, the documentary engaged diverse audiences in discussions on safeguarding living heritage and cultural identity. A key event was the documentary launch and youth dialogue in November 2024, which created a platform for young people to explore how digital media, creative arts and storytelling can be leveraged to promote living heritage safeguarding among younger generations.
Looking forward, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Framework saw its final stage towards the end of 2025, based on stakeholder consultations conducted between June to November 2024 to ensure the sustainability of the safeguarding efforts. This draft framework provides a structured approach to integrating living heritage into national development plans, cultural policies and educational curricula. Additionally, an information session on the Convention’s International Assistance mechanism to support future safeguarding efforts was conducted.
The momentum created by this project will drive the continued integration of living heritage into sustainable development policies, strengthen community-based safeguarding efforts and promote the use of digital media and creative industries to showcase and celebrate the richness of living heritage in Tanzania.
