The Bureau,
- Recalling Article 23 of the Convention as well as Chapter I.4 of the Operational Directives relating to the eligibility and criteria of International Assistance requests,
- Having examined Document ITH/18/13.COM 3.BUR/4 as well as International Assistance request no. 01422 submitted by Ukraine,
- Takes note that Ukraine has requested International Assistance for the project entitled Needs assessment for reinforcing Ukraine’s national capacities in strategy development for ICH safeguarding:
Implemented by the Ukrainian Center for Cultural Studies, the proposed project aims to carry out a needs assessment to reinforce Ukraine’s national capacities in strategy development for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. This request reflects the current situation in Ukraine: while there is an extremely rich, diverse array of living heritage across the country, such practices face threats of disappearance and decreased vitality. Although some positive steps have been taken in recent years to maintain its vitality, there are still several weaknesses preventing the development of adequate safeguarding policies and measures. As such, this project is intended to: outline the major challenges encountered in the implementation of the 2003 Convention at the national level in light of the current political and economic situation; identify the main safeguarding needs for intangible cultural heritage; and propose practical recommendations for their improvement. The project is expected to raise public awareness about the role of intangible cultural heritage in social development, foster the efficient use of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding policies for social cohesion and peace policies and sustainable development strategies, and promote international recognition and cooperation. It is envisaged that the project activities will be carried out by an international expert, with the support of national experts.
- Further takes note that this assistance is to support a project implemented at the national level, in accordance with Article 20 (c) of the Convention, and that it takes the form of the provision of a grant, pursuant to Article 21 (g) of the Convention;
- Also takes note that Ukraine has requested assistance in the amount of US$28,500 from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the implementation of this project;
- Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 01422, the request responds as follows to the criteria for granting International Assistance given in paragraphs 10 and 12 of the Operational Directives:
Criterion A.1: Although the request would have benefitted from more detailed information on how the communities concerned have been involved in the project design and which mechanisms have been planned for their involvement, the request considers community involvement in the safeguarding of living heritage in Ukraine as one of the objectives of the project, confirming that prior consultations were undertaken with the communities and that they will be the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Criterion A.2: Overall, the budget corresponds to the planned activities throughout the request and the overall amount is appropriate. The contributions to the project from the State and other sources indicated under Section 17 of Form ICH-04 do not match those in Form ICH-04 Timetable and Budget and this discrepancy needs to be rectified.
Criterion A.3: The activities are well-designed and feasible relative to the timeframe proposed; they include desk research and the preparation of a field visit, an on-site research visit, as well as the analysis of the collected data and the preparation of the needs assessment report. This approach is described as a logical first step towards defining an overall capacity-building strategy to safeguard intangible cultural heritage in Ukraine.
Criterion A.4: The State Party confirms that the needs assessment report is expected to bring together and encourage exchanges among the main stakeholders and institutions and organizations involved in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in Ukraine. The project is also expected to serve as an informed basis for developing programmes at the national, regional and local levels and these programmes are expected to address needs related to legislation, institutional and administrative infrastructure, funding, awareness raising, education, and inventorying in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
Criterion A.5: Although the request would have benefited from better clarity in terms of contributions to the project from the State and other sources, the State Party is committed to sharing at least 18 per cent of the project costs.
Criterion A.6: The project is expected to improve the coordination capacities of the institutions involved and to identify capacity-building needs in such areas as education, information, management, inventorying, safeguarding, as well as in institutional legal and financial frameworks.
Criterion A.7: The State Party has not previously received any financial assistance from UNESCO under the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund of the 2003 Convention to implement similar or related activities in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
Paragraph 10(a): Apart from the involvement of an international expert in the implementation of the needs assessment, the request does not imply any cooperation at the bilateral, regional or international levels.
Paragraph 10(b): The request is likely to have multiplier effects, as the multi-year action plan and policy recommendations are expected to contribute to the development of an integrated approach for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Ukraine. The project is also expected to attract technical and financial support at the national, regional and local levels from international donor organizations and national charity foundations to assist with the implementation of the action plan to be developed.
- Approves the International Assistance request from Ukraine for the project entitled Needs assessment for reinforcing Ukraine’s national capacities in strategy development for ICH safeguarding and grants the amount of US$28,500 to the State Party to this end;
- Requests that the Secretariat reach an agreement with the requesting State Party on the technical details of the assistance, paying particular attention to ensuring that the detailed work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund is specific enough to provide a sufficient justification of the expenditures;
- Invites the State Party to use Form ICH-04 Report when reporting on the use of the assistance provided.