Fiji is now focusing on the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
This was highlighted at the first capacity building workshop currently underway in Suva whereby communities, practitioners, government bodies and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to understand and implement the convention.
While opening the 5-day workshop, Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts acting permanent secretary – Kelera Taloga said the purpose of the convention was for countries to work together in protecting their intangible cultural heritage.
“The Fijian society, with its different cultures, people, norms and traditions are best characterized through the concept of intangible cultural heritage which did not exist until 2003, when it was recognized as an international instrument by UNESCO,” Mrs Taloga said.
Mrs Taloga said Fiji, through the Department of Heritage and Arts, was committed to the implementation of the 2003 Convention.
“Through the workshop, stakeholder will get the chance to comment and make recommendations to the Department of Heritage and Arts to finalize the Draft National Framework for the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for safeguarding ICH.”
Some of the initiatives undertaken so far to conserve Fiji’s ICH include:
· Piloting of the Living Human Treasures Programme in 2005;
· The current cultural mapping initiative of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs;
· Implementation of community workshops on revitalization of traditional craft skills in different provinces of Fiji;
· Multicultural centres’ activities;
· Rotuma Day Festival and other festivals organized to exhibit and facilitate the transmission of knowledge and skills;
· Radio and television documentation of our history, culture and traditions;
· Publication and educational tools produced by various publishing houses.
· Mainstreaming of cultural heritage issues in the national school curriculum.
Similar workshops based on preserving heritage and culture will be held in February, April, September and November next year.
Around 163 countries, including nine from the Pacific, have already ratified the convention.