Why does protecting traditions matter?
Italian cuisine and kohl are now considered intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
Vases crafted thousands of years ago, temples built by past civilisations, natural parks with stunning waterfalls. These are all tangible things, there is a physical trace of them and many times they are protected and valued.
But what about festivals, recipes or dances and skills that are unique to a certain part of the world? These cannot be stored, really. However they are passed on, become part of many people鈥檚 identities and are known as intangible cultural heritage.
UNESCO, the United Nations agency that focuses on culture and education has released its yearly list recognising these practices. But what does it actually mean to be included and why is it celebrated? We hear from Matthieu Guevel, Chief of Communications at UNESCO.
Plus we talk to three people whose cultural practices have been added to the list this year: Paola Maggiulli a British-Italian cook, Lika Kat, a content creator from Kyrgyzstan and Zahra Hankir, a Lebanese author and journalist.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Chelsea Coates
Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde
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- Fri 12 Dec 2025 18:50GMT麻豆社 World Service News Internet
- Sat 13 Dec 2025 03:50GMT麻豆社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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