Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH

　　Article 2 - Definitions

　　For the purposes of this Convention,

　　1. The "intangible cultural heritage" means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills - as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith - that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. For the purposes of this Convention, consideration will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development.

　　2. The "intangible cultural heritage", as defined in paragraph 1 above, is manifested inter alia in the following domains:

　　(a) oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;

　　(b) performing arts;

　　(c) social practices, rituals and festive events;

　　(d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;

　　(e) traditional craftsmanship.

　　3. "Safeguarding" means measures aimed at ensuring the viability of the intangible cultural heritage, including the identification, documentation, research, preservation, protection, promotion, enhancement, transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education, as well as the revitalization of the various aspects of such heritage.

　　4. "States Parties" means States which are bound by this Convention and among which this Convention is in force.

　　5. This Convention applies mutatis mutandis to the territories referred to in Article 33 which become Parties to this Convention in accordance with the conditions set out in that Article. To that extent the expression "States Parties" also refers to such territories.
Article 3 - Relationship to other international instruments

　　Nothing in this Convention may be interpreted as:

　　(a) altering the status or diminishing the level of protection under the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of World Heritage properties with which an item of the intangible cultural heritage is directly associated; or

　　(b) affecting the rights and obligations of States Parties deriving from any international instrument relating to intellectual property rights or to the use of biological and ecological resources to which they are parties.