Since the adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, a growing body of research has been undertaken on its origins, purposes, uses, implementation and impacts.
While some of this research is well known and widely disseminated, a considerable portion of it remains difficult to locate.

The Secretariat has launched an interactive bibliography of research references related to the Convention. Hosted by UNESCO and led by independent researchers, this project intends to enhance the dissemination of ICH-related research for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2003 Convention (States Parties, communities, civil society, practitioners and others) and to foster better communication among researchers working in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

Researchers who initiated this project and who coordinate this bibliography, are Chiara Bortolotto, Harriet Deacon, Cristina Amescua and Misako Ohnuki (you may contact them through this address: Coordinators-ICHCRB@lists.unesco.org).

We are inviting the the research community to review the 1000 references that the bibliography already contains by theme, geographic areas or language. As key actors of the implementation of the Convention, we also invite you to contribute to this work by suggesting the addition of new references directly online.

The project can enhance the dissemination of ICH-related research in the academic community and direct future research activities to areas of special need, as well as assist in the implementation of the Convention and in assessing its impact at international, regional and national levels.

For more information on the implementation of the 2003 Convention, the objectives and coordination of the project, as well as how to submit new reports, articles and developments, please visit:

Research references on the implementation of the 2003 Convention

The 2003 Convention Research Bibliography provides an interactive bibliography of research references related to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its implementation.

Based on work initiated in 2012, this project is hosted by UNESCO and led by an editorial group of independent researchers, with the support of volunteer researchers.

It intends to foster better communication among researchers working in the field of intangible cultural heritage and enhance dissemination of ICH-related research for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2003 Convention (States Parties, communities, practitioners, civil society, UNESCO Secretariat and others).