Pottery, Rachaya in the Bekaa Valley © Ministry of Tourism

In 2017, UNESCO’s regional office in Beirut launched a capacity-building project funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in collaboration with the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO. This project is aimed at strengthening human and institutional infrastructures for the safeguarding of Lebanese living heritage, which remains all the more important for the people of Lebanon in the current context of economic turmoil.

Last July, the project achieved one of its most critical milestones, which is the creation of a national network of dedicated trainers following an intensive 5-day training of trainers’ workshop held in person in Beirut. This national network of experts will facilitate the circulation of knowledge on community-based safeguarding measures, allow for further expansion of awareness and skills across the country. The training allowed participants to review the content and methodology of capacity building programme, while focusing on key topics in line with the 2003 Convention priorities such as education, sustainable development, and emergency situations.

More steps are yet to come. The project is now entering a new phase and the Living Heritage Entity, in cooperation with the UNESCO Office in Beirut, will keep monitoring its most notable achievements in strengthening national capacities for safeguarding of intangible heritage present in Lebanon.