ICH Protection, UNESCO’s Involvement and PoTaRCh
The workshop “Writing Retreat/Sprint: ICH Protection, UNESCO’s Involvement and PoTaRCh” was organized within the framework of the COST Action CA22155 – EU-PoTaRCh by Working Groups 1 (Heritage), 3 (Archaeology), and 4 (Environmental History), and co-organized with the Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia.
The event brought together researchers, experts, and academic staff working on issues related to the safeguarding of cultural heritage, UNESCO’s role in heritage preservation, and contemporary challenges in its research, interpretation, and valorization.
Over two days, participants collaborated on the preparation of WG1- and WG3-led deliverables, with contributions from members of other Working Groups, particularly WG4. The workshop provided dedicated time for intensive scholarly exchange, collaborative writing, and the development of joint research outputs.
Particular attention was given to the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) dimensions of PoTaRCh traditions and activities, including traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, practices, skills, and other forms of living heritage (LH), as well as their potential recognition within contemporary ICH protection frameworks (WG1). These discussions were complemented by analyses of the Tangible Cultural Heritage (TCH) and archaeological evidence associated with charcoal production and related activities (WG3), alongside environmental-historical approaches to understanding the long-term interactions between human communities and PoTaRCh landscapes (WG4). Together, these perspectives highlighted the interconnected nature of tangible and intangible heritage and their significance for the interpretation, safeguarding, and promotion of Europe’s PoTaRCh heritage and cultural landscapes.
As part of the workshop, participants also worked on the preparation of scholarly articles and other research outputs intended for publication in international academic journals, further disseminating the results of the Action and strengthening international academic collaboration.
In addition to the activities outlined above, during the first day of the workshop participants had the opportunity to engage with one of the Action’s deliverables related to the culinary dimensions of PoTaRCh heritage. As part of this initiative, they were introduced to traditional specialties from the neighbouring country, Greece, flavoured with Chios mastic resin, including loukoumi and tsoureki, highlighting the links between food traditions, living heritage, and local cultural practices.
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