Although I post a lot about traditional cultures, I must admit my feelings about them are mixed. I appreciate that long standing customs and traditional roles can strengthen community bonds and give a community its unique cultural identity. However, I know how stifling those roles often are for women and for those who don’t fit comfortably into their society’s expectations. Also, societies can become insular and brittle by clinging to outdated customs. Modernity brings with it many unsettling changes, but only a few would argue the strides made in medicine, technology and equality should be abandoned or efforts to eliminate abject poverty be curtailed. How then does a community hold on to its cultural identity when the weaver has left the loom and ancient lore scutters away with each new generation?
In June of this year an international group of experts met at UNESCO headquarters to examine how intangible cultural heritage can be effectively integrated into urban planning and development strategies. The meeting aimed to generate concrete proposals for States and other relevant stakeholders by identifying key issues, challenges and opportunities related to safeguarding living heritage in urban contexts from planning perspectives.
UNESCO has developed a number of programs centered on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. Please visit UNESCO’s website to learn more.
The Village Market 
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