IPDT Services
An international recognition of excellence and cultural significance.
When a cultural manifestation is officially recognised and included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, it represents an important step towards its national recognition and protection, and opens the door to the possibility of a global application — UNESCO.
Being included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is international recognition of excellence and cultural relevance. It means that the cultural practice, tradition or expression has unique value for all of humanity. IPDT advises on the entire process, from the preparation of the application to its submission in conjunction with the National Commission for UNESCO, and in compliance with the criteria and guidelines set out by UNESCO.
Why apply for UNESCO World Heritage status?
We view the nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status as a key instrument in safeguarding, promoting, and preserving the cultural heritage of a region. It represents a unique opportunity to highlight its historical and cultural significance on an international scale, contributing to its appreciation and recognition. The UNESCO nomination may be pursued through the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity or the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Preservation and Safeguarding
The submission of the application to UNESCO demonstrates a serious commitment to the preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage. It recognises that heritage is a valuable resource contributing to the world’s cultural diversity and to the strengthening of local and national identity, while encouraging active community participation in its protection.
Sustainable Development
International recognition of a cultural manifestation can boost the sustainable development of a community or region by generating revenue, jobs and opportunities for the local community, always supported by policies of preservation and conservation.
International Recognition
Inclusion in the UNESCO List represents international recognition of great importance for a cultural manifestation, increasing its visibility and bringing prestige to both the community and the country that promotes it.
The application to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is an international acknowledgment of the uniqueness and significance of a cultural expression. IPDT leads the entire process with technical and strategic precision, ensuring community engagement and full alignment with UNESCO’s criteria.
How Does IPDT Develop a UNESCO World Heritage Nomination?
The processes are highly demanding, and IPDT ensures a rigorous and structured approach throughout, maximising the chances of a successful nomination to UNESCO World Heritage status, while promoting the preservation and enhancement of cultural and natural assets.
01. INVESTIGATION
Collection of information and documentation
We compiled historical, cultural, natural, and scientific data on the nominated property, conducting primary research to complement and deepen existing information.
02. SYNERGIES
We engage stakeholders
Our operating model focuses on several key areas: energy and greenhouse gas emissions, water, waste, transport, biodiversity, land use, chemical use, governance, and economic, social and cultural management.
03. INSCRIPTION
We prepare, submit, and follow up
We organise and substantiate the entire nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status, formally submitting the nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. We ensure full compliance with all requirements and procedures established by UNESCO. We also manage and respond to any requests for clarification during the evaluation phase conducted by UNESCO-appointed experts.
Do you need expert support to prepare a UNESCO nomination?
What are the outputs of the work carried out?
Did you know…
Each country is allowed to submit only one nomination per year to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? This limitation is due to the detailed review and evaluation process carried out by the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
01.
Letter of Support
Collection of letters of support from individuals, groups, organisations, and institutions, highlighting their personal or institutional connection to the cultural element, endorsing its nomination to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and confirming its cultural significance while committing to its preservation.
02.
Video
Production of an illustrative video showcasing the cultural element in action, highlighting its practices, traditions and the active involvement of the community. This provides the UNESCO World Heritage Committee with a dynamic and engaging perspective of the heritage in question, offering deeper insight into its unique features and the role it plays in people’s lives and local culture.
03.
Application form
Completion of the official documents required for the submission of the nomination to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, providing detailed information about the proposed cultural heritage element.
Case Study IPDT®
Barco Moliceiro
2021 — 2025
Born from the Ria and shaped by generations, the Barco Moliceiro defies time with elegance and ingenuity. Its nomination to UNESCO seeks to honour this enduring cultural legacy and ensure its preservation for the future.
The nomination of the Barco Moliceiro to UNESCO has emerged from the urgent need to protect an ancestral craft that shapes both the landscape and identity of the Aveiro Region. This process is not only about safeguarding unique boatbuilding and decorative painting techniques, but also about affirming a living cultural heritage deeply rooted in the local community.
Since 2021, IPDT has been leading the technical coordination of this nomination, in partnership with the Intermunicipal Community of the Aveiro Region. Together, they have shaped a valorisation strategy that brings together tradition, sustainability, and international recognition. This journey includes in-depth documentation of the practice, active involvement of its master artisans, and the consolidation of a shared vision for the future of the Barco Moliceiro.
The ambition to achieve recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity reflects a collective commitment: to preserve a threatened tradition, ensure its transmission, and strengthen the role of culture as a driver of identity and regional development.
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