Abstract: | In the light of a deepening globalization and degradation of a cultural diversification of societies,
many actions aiming at maintaining their unique nature are taken. The very activity concentrates
especially on intangible representations of cultural heritage which are particularly susceptible
to depreciation, and, consequently, loss as a result of modern civilization processes such as
uncontrolled urbanization and destruction of rural areas. The awareness of constantly progressing
dangers enforces taking proper actions and engaging the international society.
Out of concern for maintaining the most precious elements of the world intangible heritage,
a series of programmes, among whom the ones conducted by UNESCO should be paid special
attention to. One of them is the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage,
the result of which is among others creating The Representative List of Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity.
UNESCO’s convention was approved of enthusiastically as an important step to maintaining
cultural heritage. At the same time, the actions undertaken initiated many debates, mainly in the
circle of ethnologists, culturologists, animators or pedagogues. The voices of polemics touch upon
many aspects of The Convention: from theoretical‑methodological
to those concerning particular
means of realizing given tasks.
The article concentrates on several selected issues that need reflection, or even, verification of
opinions made so far. The findings in question are very important especially in the light of ratifying
The Convention by the Republic of Poland in 2011. |