Botswana, Kasane: Yesterday marked the official opening of the week long 18th Session of the intergovernmental committee for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
While giving a key note address this morning at the official opening ceremony of the convention, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi noted that Intangible cultural heritage forms a part of the core of the social identity markers, hence the need for safeguarding.
The Earthenware Pottery Making Skills, Dikopelo Folk Music of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela and the Seperu folk dance and Associated Practices from the Chobe District have been inscripted to be part of the UNESCO List needing Urgent safeguarding.
President Masisi noted that it is important to safeguard and protect cultural practices that enhance human dignity rather than dehumanize, oppress, exploit and destroy fellow human beings.
“We need to be mindful of balancing the interests of human survival and flourishing with the interests of ensuring planetary health as part of climate change adaptations and mitigation initiatives”.
President Masisi further noted that Botswana has been receiving technical support and financial assistance from UNESCO. To date, UNESCO supported the safeguarding efforts for Seperu with USD 94,447.00 which is equivalent to P1, 274,147.00. The Safeguarding Plan for the Seperu element includes establishing school clubs, conducting coaching clinics, and research and documentation of the element.
For his part, when giving welcome remarks at the welcome ceremony last night, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Tumiso Rakgare said MYSC is pivotal in the safeguarding and preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He alluded that through capacity building, funding, and technical expertise often supported by UNESCO, the ministry empowers communities to safeguard their living heritage.
UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone said the convention is imperative towards addressing cultural matters and a way to reflect on the past sessions. He added that Africa is a global priority for UNESCO, hence the need to assist in cultural heritage preservation and safeguarding.
The next days of the convention will see delegates deliberating on topics of Intangible Cultural Heritage globally.