Non-material cultural heritage is a vital source of social identity, traditions and customs passed down from one generation to the next. If you want to apply for non-material cultural heritage status, there are several eligibility criteria you must meet, including but not limited to:
1. Demonstrating significance: You must show that the culture you want to register as non-material cultural heritage is not only significant but also reflects a unique cultural practice within a particular community.
2. Authenticity: The practice or tradition must be genuine and carry meaning that’s unique and authentic to a particular society or community.
3. Practicing continuity: In order to be eligible for non-material cultural heritage status, the practice or tradition must have been practiced on a continual basis by the community or at least be perceived as a continuous practice.
4. Community involvement: The practice or tradition must be centered around a particular community where it has been practiced over generations.
5. Cultural diversity: The practice or tradition must reflect cultural diversity and identity within a particular society or community.
6. Promotion and protection: Communities that seek non-material cultural heritage registration must demonstrate a willingness to promote and protect the practice or tradition so that it is not lost in history.
7. Sustainability: For heritage to be registered, communities must demonstrate that it is sustainable in its present and future use.
