ЗАШТИТА НЕМАТЕРИЈАЛНОГ КУЛТУРНОГ НАСЛЕЂА – СЛОЖЕНОСТ И ИЗАЗОВИ
PROTECTION OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE – COMPLEXITY AND CHALLENGES

Summary/Abstract: Organized institutional protection of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) encompasses a complex methodology and treatment of various phenomena, many of which were not considered in the previous framework of cultural heritage protection measures. The critical issue is the problem of sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, which necessarily indicates the need for multisectoral partnerships and interdisciplinary activities. The 2003 Convention demonstrates a strong existing link between heritage and development, and heritage institutions generally do not have much previous experience in this regard. The recognized methodological challenges include variability of motivation among ICH holders, uncertain susceptibility in assessing the very protection measures that will be implemented, as well as perception by the involved experts on the expectations that the society imposes on the professionals in the field of cultural heritage. However, this system and methodology based on the UNESCO Convention and the resulting public policies are also quite fragile, considering the frequent, mostly “external” political instrumentalization of intangible heritage, and on the other hand there are different perspectives and different attitudes of stakeholders. Different views, “registers”, and even the interests present in diverse communities are specific to the ICH. For example, the interpretation of “true” heritage often differs within and between communities, professionals and administrations. The interpretations are equally diverse in the area of perception of cultural identities. The main condition for the balanced and harmonious development of heritage potential should be a strong civil society in which institutions, non-governmental organizations and private entities all have their own important roles in integrating the ”mosaic” of the ICH. The goal of this paper is to compare the various existing concepts, as well as their reflection in public policies within the field of protection of this type of heritage. The main source of examples is the international lists of intangible cultural heritage compiled by UNESCO.

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