Safeguarding ICH in Trinidad and Tobago

 

    Siparee Mai Devotions, Siparia (Source: The Catholic News April 21, 2024)

Safeguarding the Intangible

Cultural Heritage (ICH)

in Trinidad and Tobago:

Assessing Practices and Policies

My potential research

The protection of disappearing folk traditions, indigenous cultural expressions and traditional knowledge has been gaining interest by governmental authorities, international organizations and peoples in general around the world in recent years. UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (https://ich.unesco.org/en/convention), which came into force in 2006, provided a framework for national and international practices and policies associated with ICH and served to heighten attention to safeguarding practices and policies.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and know-how (e.g. Calypso music, Stick Fighting, the Siparee Mai devotions, First Peoples Smoke Ceremony), transmitted from generation to generation within communities, created and transformed continuously by them, depending on the environment and their interaction with nature and history.

States party to the Convention are expected to take the necessary measures to safeguard the ICH present on their territory: define and inventory the ICH, with the participation of the communities concerned; adopt policies and establish institutions to monitor and promote it; encourage research; and take other appropriate safeguarding measures, always with the full consent and participation of the communities concerned. States are also invited to nominate elements to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage In Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the Register of Best Safeguarding Practices, which are all mechanisms to focus international attention on ICH. States can also access international assistance from the “Fund for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage”.

While Trinidad and Tobago has signed on to the Convention since July 2010, enquiries have revealed that very little has been done to implement its provisions. Efforts seem not to have gone much beyond a national workshop on community-based inventorying of intangible cultural heritage in June-July 2013, followed by a pilot activity on community-based inventorying carried out by the then Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism (MAM), from November 2013 to May 2014. During that period, the Siparee Mai Devotions and Feast of La Divina Pastora was documented.

This research seeks to determine how the intangible cultural heritage practices in Trinidad and Tobago can be effectively safeguarded. It will determine the challenges of safeguarding practices and policies for ICH in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in light of the multicultural nature of the society. The study will also assess the safeguarding practices and policies for ICH in the country, particularly at the national level and will consider sustainable strategies for safeguarding ICH in ensuring their transmission to future generations.

                             First Peoples Smoke Ceremony, Arima (Source: NALIS)

Importance of the study

As stated earlier, it has been recognized by many around the world for a long time now that folk traditions, indigenous cultural expressions and traditional knowledge, have been disappearing. The situation in Trinidad and Tobago has been no different.  However, the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) has been gaining interest in recent years, particularly with the coming into being of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the matter. UNESCO explains that the importance of ICH is that it adapts permanently to the present and constitutes cultural capital that can be a powerful driver for development. Importantly, UNESCO also encourages research into the subject.

This study is therefore important not only as research encouraged by the UNESCO Convention but in adding to the knowledge and awareness of ICH and its significance to Trinidad and Tobago as a multicultural society by promoting the following:

Cultural identity and diversity - ICH, like material culture, engenders a sense of identity and belonging for individuals and communities, and fosters cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.

Social cohesion - Shared cultural expressions, traditions and experiences can help in social bonding and promote a greater sense of nationhood.

Economic opportunities - Individuals and community groups can generate income from economic activities that relate to the practice of various forms of ICH.

Education - The relevance and quality of education at all levels can be enhanced by programmes with content drawn from ICH.

Sustainable development - ICH can contribute to sustainable development by promoting areas like cultural/ heritage tourism, boosting local economies and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. 

                         National Academy for the Performing Arts (Photo: Jermold Compton)     

What I've enjoyed learning so far

My foray into this research project so far has been both interesting and enjoyable. My interest in safeguarding ICH was born out of the concern that many have about aspects of our folk traditions disappearing. It has therefore been enjoyable learning more about the topic as well as about the necessary approaches to study the matter.

Three areas related to the safeguarding of ICH that are of particular interest to me so far are the importance of ICH research and safeguarding to the UN SDGs, the economic dimensions of living heritage safeguarding, and the possibilities evolving technologies present for ICH safeguarding. I have also enjoyed learning of the possible research methodologies for approaching the project and look forward to developing further appreciation of this aspect of the study.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the Study

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). The 17 SDGs are (short titles): 1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality, 6. Clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean energy, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 10. Reduced inequalities, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 12. Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate action, 14. Life below water, 15. Life on land, 16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions, and 17. Partnerships for the goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Importantly, the UN noted that, among other things, the creativity and knowhow from all of society is necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context. In this regard, the SDGs are relevant to the safeguarding of ICH and therefore to this study. The SDGs with specific relevance to the study, however, are:

SDG 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages;
SDG 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all;
SDG 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; and

SDG 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

                                17 Sustainable Development Goals (Source: Shutterstock.com))

Importance of SDGs to the research

Research in ICH is deeply connected to several SDGs, particularly those identified above, because ICH such as folk traditions, rituals, performing arts, and traditional knowledge, plays a crucial role in shaping societies. SDGs 3, 4, 8 and 11 are therefore of particular importance to this research in the following ways:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Many traditional health practices, herbal medicines, and healing rituals such as the local "Bush Bath", are part of ICH. This research can therefore validate the importance of preserving these traditional health methods in complementing modern healthcare and promoting more holistic health approaches.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education
ICH can provide content for inclusive and culturally relevant education. This research can therefore help to promote the integration of local traditional knowledge into our formal and informal education systems, enriching the quality of local educational provision and ensuring that cultural traditions are passed down.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Many aspects of ICH such as performing arts like our steelband, calypso and chutney music, folk rituals, and traditional food production, create employment opportunities. This study can therefore support policies that promote areas like sustainable cultural tourism and creative industries in which ICH is a key component.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 

ICH contributes to the cultural identity and diversity of cities and communities such as the First Peoples, making them vibrant and unique. This research can help in the formulation of policies for rural and urban planning by ensuring that traditions and cultural spaces are preserved amid modernization. The research can also promote greater understanding of traditional knowledge systems which can contribute to sustainable resource management.

The SDGs are therefore important to this research as they not only highlight the relevance of safeguarding ICH, but are essential in focusing the research on the goal of sustainable development. This study can therefore contribute to the promotion of policies and practices in Trinidad and Tobago which can ensure that cultural traditions remain relevant and beneficial for sustainable communities and future generations .

                 Katzenjammers Steelband (Source: Newsday December 13, 2024)