Decisión de la Mesa: 20.COM 3.BUR 4.3 - UNESCO Patrimonio cultural inmaterial

The Bureau,

Recalling Article 23 of the Convention, as well as Chapters I.4, I.7 and I.14 of the Operational Directives relating to International Assistance requests,
Having examined document LHE/25/20.COM 3.BUR/4 and the request for preparatory assistance no. 02389 submitted by Burkina Faso,
Takes note that Burkina Faso has requested International Assistance in the amount of US$9,900 to prepare a nomination for Knowledge and skills associated with the manufacture of the Saponé hat to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

To be implemented by the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, this preparatory assistance request concerns the nomination of Knowledge and skills related to the manufacture of the Saponé hat to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The element refers to the knowledge and techniques related to the production, research and manufacture of the Saponé hat, a conical hat typically made with straw and tanned leather. The production process involves all parts of society and entails two key stages: (a) the production of the basic hat, primarily the work of women and children; and (b) its decoration, primarily the work of men. There are three types of Saponé hats: the barma (made with straw and leather, with more refined embellishment), the tabdga (also made with straw and leather, but with less embellishment) and the djelbré (made only with straw). The element was inventoried and included in the list of national cultural heritage of Burkina Faso in 2023. The project also aims to encourage the element’s transmission and promote intercultural dialogue.

Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 02389, 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: The request clearly indicates that the bearers, women and men, and the customary and traditional authorities of the department of Saponé will be broadly involved in the preparation of the nomination file. Artisans associated with the manufacture of the hat will also be included. The request underlines the importance of engaging all social groups in the preparation of the nomination file to highlight the role of each individual in safeguarding the Saponé hat, thereby ensuring its viability.

Criterion A.2: The amount requested by the State Party seems appropriate in relation to the proposed activities for the preparation of the nomination file to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Criterion A.3: The preparatory assistance will be used for the following activities: (a) organization of meetings with communities to obtain their free, prior and informed consent; (b) collection of additional information necessary for the elaboration of the nomination file; (c) coordination of consultation meetings with decentralized authorities; (d) production of photos and a video; and (e) establishment of a working group to prepare the nomination file.

Criterion A.4: The requesting State Party is committed to submitting a nomination for the possible inscription of the element on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The submission is expected before 31 March 2026 for possible inscription by the Committee at its twenty-second session, provided that the nomination can be included in the 2027 cycle, in application of the annual ceiling for the number of nominations and the priority system in force at the time of the submission.

Criterion A.5: The requesting State Party will contribute 46 per cent (US$8,520) of the total amount of the project for preparatory assistance (US$18,420). Consequently, International Assistance is requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the remaining 54 per cent of the total amount of the project.

Criterion A.6: Through the request, the State Party seeks to encourage the communities concerned to continue the transmission of the knowledge and skills related to the production of the Saponé hat, while maintaining the social relationships essential for intercultural dialogue. The project will also contribute to raising awareness of intangible cultural heritage at the national level and enhancing the visibility and viability of the element.

Criterion A.7: The requesting State Party has benefitted from International Assistance from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for one completed and one ongoing project.[1] The work stipulated in the contracts related to these projects was and is being carried out in accordance with UNESCO regulations.

Approves the request for preparatory assistance from Burkina Faso for the preparation of the nomination for Knowledge and skills related to the manufacture of the Saponé hat in view of its submission for possible inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and grants the amount of US$9,900 to the requesting 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 budget and the work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund are detailed and specific enough to provide a sufficient justification of all the expenditures;
Invites the requesting State Party to use Form ICH-05-Report to report on the use of the assistance granted.

[1] (a) ‘Inventory and promotion of intangible cultural heritage in Burkina Faso’ (US$262,080; March 2013 to March 2018) and (b) ‘Capacity building for stakeholders involved in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage in Burkina Faso’ (US$387,770; October 2020 to July 2025).