The Bureau,

1. 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,
2. Having examined document LHE/23/18.COM 2.BUR/4 as well as International Assistance request no. 02146 submitted by Uzbekistan,
3. Takes note that Uzbekistan has requested International Assistance for the project entitled Urgent safeguarding of the making of traditional musical instrument Kobyz and its tradition of Zhyrau performance:

To be implemented by the UNESCO Office in Tashkent in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan, this eighteen-month project aims to safeguard and raise awareness of Karakalpak living heritage in Uzbekistan, with a focus on the endangered kobyz and zhyrau traditions. Using a gender-based approach, the project involves identifying and documenting the techniques of creating kobyz (a traditional string instrument) and performing zhyrau music. It will also entail workshops to build the capacity of youth to craft the instrument and perform zhyrau. The workshops will be filmed, and the footage will be used to create a documentary that will be broadcast on local and national television. Other project activities include: (a) raising awareness about related safeguarding processes, including among local communities and youth; (b) implementing a workshop on the 2003 Convention and UNESCO’s inventorying methodology, including guidance and hands-on practice on compiling, recording and documenting elements of intangible cultural heritage; (c) mapping, inventorying and documenting kobyz and zhyrau and related elements; and (d) organizing awareness-raising activities with public education and media outlets. The project is expected to support traditional craftspeople and performers while encouraging youth to learn, appreciate and transmit their cultural heritage.

      4. Further takes note that
        i. This assistance is to support a project implemented at the national level, in accordance with Article 20 (c) of the Convention.
        ii.The State Party has requested International Assistance that will take the form of services from the Secretariat to the State; and
        iii. The assistance therefore takes the form of the provision of services from UNESCO (100 per cent of the financial transactions are to be managed by UNESCO), pursuant to Article 21 (b) and (g) of the Convention;

5. Also takes note that Uzbekistan has requested assistance in the amount of US$99,903 from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the implementation of this project, which will be implemented by the UNESCO Office in Tashkent in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
6. Understands that the UNESCO Office in Tashkent will be responsible for the management of the total amount requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, while the requesting State will be responsible for co-managing the project by renting the office for the management team for the duration of the project and providing venues for the capacity-building workshops and awareness-raising meetings;
7. Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 02146, 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: Representatives of local communities and bearers from Karakalpakstan were involved in the project design, which foresees the broad involvement of community members and practitioners throughout the project implementation, particularly in capacity-building and awareness-raising activities. Gender responsiveness will be monitored and evaluated through gender-specific indicators, stakeholder involvement and the recognition of women’s contributions.

Criterion A.2: The budget is well-structured and realistic. The details regarding the activities and cost of the proposed project are clearly explained.

Criterion A.3: The proposed activities are coherent and well-planned in terms of the objectives and expected results of the project. Two main actions are proposed: (a) capacity building on safeguarding methodologies (with an emphasis on inventorying living heritage) and traditional knowledge and skills of kobyz and zhyrau; and (b) awareness-raising actions. Overall, the sequence of the proposed activities is logical and seems feasible with respect to the project duration.

Criterion A.4: The project foresees awareness-raising activities on safeguarding living heritage that may continue beyond its duration. Moreover, alliances with the schools in Karakalpakstan will be promoted to ensure the transmission of the kobyz and zhyrau traditions to new generations. The plan to encourage cooperation between the cultural sector and educational sector is promising for the sustainability of this project.

Criterion A.5: The requesting State will contribute 5 per cent of the total amount of the project budget for which International Assistance is requested (US$104,903). Consequently, International Assistance is requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the remaining 95 per cent of the total amount of the project.

Criterion A.6: The project emphasizes building the communities’ capacities to strengthen the viability of kobyz and zhyrau traditions in Uzbekistan and to transmit the knowledge and practices to future generations. The project is expected to involve 130 people in different activities related to training, inventorying and awareness raising initiatives.

Criterion A.7: The requesting State has not previously received any financial assistance from 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): The project aims to establish cooperation and networking at the national level. Cultural organizations and national institutions such as the Ministries of Education and Culture have been invited to participate in the project implementation.

Paragraph 10(b): This project has the potential to stimulate financial and technical contributions from other sources and to inspire similar efforts elsewhere. Cultural organizations and national institutions such as the Ministries of Education and Culture have been engaged in the preparation of the project and will take part in its implementation. The requesting State expects to generate interest in Karakalpakstan, providing economic benefits for the local communities.

8. Approves the International Assistance request from Uzbekistan for the project entitled Urgent safeguarding of the making of traditional musical instrument Kobyz and its tradition of Zhyrau performance, and grants the amount of US$99,903 for the implementation of this project according to the modality described in paragraphs 5 and 6;
9. Requests that the Secretariat reach an agreement with the requesting State on the technical details of the assistance, paying particular attention to ensuring that the budget and work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund are detailed and specific enough to justify the expenditures;
10. Invites the requesting State to use Form ICH-04-Report to report on the use of the assistance granted.