• Home

Measures proposed to preserve heritage

ABU DHABI — The first regional meeting of Arab states which are signatories to the Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage yesterday called on non-signatories to join the 2003 Unesco agreement to preserve heritage.

Held on the sidelines of the 17^th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the forum issued its recommendations following four days of discussions.

It also called for setting up a committee to follow up on the enforcement of international conventions with regard to intellectual property rights.

The meeting also proposed that a national forum for folk art be organised every two years and be hosted by an Arab capital consecutively.

One of the recommendations stressed the need for setting up a general authority in each Arab country to gather and document Arab intangible cultural heritage.

The authority can join hands with international specialised organisations to prepare conventions and recommendations on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

It will also take advantage of Arab expertise to train personnel in methods of preserving this kind of heritage.

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage was urged to institute an award for innovators in preservation of heritage.

The Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation was also requested to present a scheme for establishing an Arab centre for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of developing handicrafts and incorporating such traditional industries in school curricula.

Representatives of Arab countries will meet again before October this year to prepare a common working paper dealing with proposed action plans to be forwarded to the Unesco’s general conference in October.

• UAE