Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change in the Asia-Pacific Region (FY 2024–2026)

Climate change poses an urgent threat to humanity. The increased occurrence of extreme hazards and disasters and the disruption of ecosystems and environment caused by climate change impact various ICH elements that are deeply rooted in local environments. These include a wide range of subsistence knowledge and practices, craft production dependent on locally grown raw materials, and community rituals and beliefs tied to the local environment. This project examines various challenges posed by climate-induced environmental changes and disasters at the local community level and explores practical strategies for adaptation, while ensuring the safeguarding of ICH and highlighting the active roles of ICH for climate actions.

In FY 2024, IRCI conducted preliminary research to understand the recent developments of policy and research concerning this theme, and the researchers and organizations cooperating in the project through implementing case studies were selected through the open call for collaborators. Case studies will be initiated in FY 2025 in selected countries and communities in the Asia-Pacific region. The project will not just document the current situation of ICH and the adaptive methods already employed by practitioners in response to climate change, but its findings are expected to lead to the development of practical guidelines and tools as well as concrete actions to further support the community’s adaptation and ICH safeguarding efforts.