HAEMUS is participating in the UNESCO capacity-building programme on “Fostering the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Western Balkans,” organized as part of the EU-funded “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project.
The online workshops started on 17 January 2024, gathering 30 participants from diverse backgrounds, communities, and sectors across the region. This initiative strengthens efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) by empowering local communities, institutions, and civil society organizations to take an active role in preserving cultural traditions and ensuring their continued relevance for future generations. Additionally, the programme fosters a strong regional network of ICH practitioners.
HAEMUS remains committed to promoting and safeguarding ICH, including the tradition of Martinki, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. HAEMUS, as the legal guardian of the Martinki tradition, plays a significant role in ensuring the safeguarding of this intangible cultural heritage, as recognized by UNESCO. In its capacity as a legal guardian, HAEMUS not only preserves and protects Martinki but also advocates for its cultural sustainability within the wider framework of UNESCO’s global safeguarding efforts.
Through its participation in the programme, HAEMUS members continue their commitment to promoting and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its continued relevance and integration into sustainable community development efforts.
The workshops, led by Ms. Panagiota Andrianopoulou, a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Facilitators for Intangible Cultural Heritage, provide an engaging platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration on key ICH-related topics. The programme offers valuable insights and practical strategies, reinforcing the importance of heritage sustainability, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation in the Western Balkans. As UNESCO continues to bridge the knowledge gap on ICH safeguarding, this initiative explores the creative and innovative potential of living heritage-based crafts for local sustainable development.
