Further enhance China's protection of ICH

　　The recommendations also require the adoption of a series of measures to formulate an intangible cultural heritage protection system of Chinese characteristics, including:

　　A. Thorough and in-depth general investigation, which is a cornerstone to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. The investigation should make the best of modern means in order to keep an authentic, systematic and comprehensive record of intangible cultural heritage and establish related archives and databases. It should also help complete the general picture of intangible cultural heritage among various locations and ethnic groups in China, such as its variety, quantity, distribution, status quo, preservation and existing problems.

　　B. Through the formulation of standard criteria and scientific assessments, gradually establish an inventory system of intangible heritage masterpieces on national, provincial, municipal and county levels. While national masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage will be identified and proclaimed by the State Council, masterpieces of the provincial, municipal and county levels will be determined by corresponding levels of government and later reported to their higher levels of government for documentation. At present, the Provisionary Measures on the Application and Identification of National Masterpieces of Intangible Cultural Heritage has already been formulated and publicized.

　　C. Strengthen the research, identification, preservation and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. To this end, it is recommended that cultural departments and agencies, scientific research institutes, colleges, universities and experts be organized to conduct in-depth studies on major theoretical and pragmatic issues and thus scientifically appraise and identify the intangible cultural heritage. Effective measures should also been taken for the storage of materials and artifacts related to intangible cultural heritage.

　　D. Establish scientific and effective transmission mechanisms for intangible cultural heritage. For those listed intangible cultural heritage masterpieces at various levels, such impetus as nomination, title-conferring, awards and subsidies should be used to encourage masterpiece successors or groups to transmit the heritage, and social education and schooling should become conduits for the cultivation of successors.

　　The recommendations call upon governments at various levels to enhance its leadership and incorporate the protection of intangible cultural heritage into its major working agenda, into the overall strategy of economic growth and social development and into its framework of cultural development. Formulation of statutes and regulations on the protection of intangible cultural heritage should be timely, legislative infrastructure including policies and measures should be stepped up, and great attention should be given to the protection of intellectual property rights derived from intangible cultural heritage. Governments at various levels should increase their financial input in the protection of intangible cultural heritage and actively guide and encourage individuals, companies and social organizations to invest in and support the protection of intangible cultural heritage. Capacity building for the team of protectors should be enhanced, including upgrading the capabilities and competence of personnel currently engaged in this work through planned training, and cultivation of specialized professionals by fully utilizing research institutes and higher learning establishments which have advantageous edges in talents and scientific research.