Book Review: Marie Cornu et al (eds), Intangible Cultural Heritage under National and International Law Going Beyond the 2003 UNESCO Convention

Abstract

Intangible Cultural Heritage and its recognition within the law has been developing for well over thirty years. However, very little progress in creating a harmonised, completely equitable system is yet to be realised. Since the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Europe, some progress has been made in recognising appropriate legal frameworks and discussing potential protection mechanisms to develop this area of the law significantly. The development nationally and internationally has been sporadic and incorporates many established areas of law such as intellectual property law, environmental law, human rights law and others that are all entwined in recognising the rights, adequate protections and connected issues with protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage.

The edited book published by Edward Elgar Publishing clearly unravels the national and international efforts to establish a legal regime to protect and promote intangible cultural heritage. Through four distinct parts, Cornu and Others have skilfully broken down the issues and progression that have happened since the 2003 Convention came into force, leading the reader on a journey of understanding and contextualisation. Indeed, the greatest achievement of this book is being able to accurately relate all the competing interests as well as present clearly the vast comparative analysis research that has taken place prior to its completion.

Keywords: book review, intangible cultural heritage, law.