LEGAL SYSTEMS

Study of Legal Systems related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong Region (FY 2013 – FY 2016)

This project was implemented in cooperation with experts of Kyushu University (Faculty of Law) to investigate legal mechanisms for ICH safeguarding in the Greater Mekong region in countries such as Viet Nam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and other countries in Southeast Asia from a comparative perspective.
Southeast Asia is particularly rich in ICH; however, domestic laws for safeguarding ICH in some of the countries are not yet well defined and there is a great need for advice and support from experts. Against this background, the project analysed the legal systems for safeguarding ICH, including laws and regulations, policies and good practices in the countries in the Greater Mekong region, and identified possible solutions thereby developing a kind of tool kit for planning legal mechanisms that would help the member states develop effective legal systems to safeguard their ICH by examining each country’s situation.
IRCI has investigated the current legal mechanisms in such countries using a research methodology of questionnaires, workshops, and field research.
In addition to the experts from Kyushu University, two other experts collaborated with the IRCI research team, and a total of 50 participated in this project. The project’s final report, including proceedings of the 2015 and 2016 workshops as well as important issues and general challenges for the Asia-Pacific region was published at the end of FY 2016.

Workshops (FY 2014-2016)
Field Research (FY 2015- FY 2016)
  • Field research on the transmission of traditional crafts (Musashigawa Studio, Japan, December 2016)

  • Final Workshop on the Study of Legal Systems related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong Region (Ha Noi, Viet Nam, December 2017)

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