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Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan mandates the state to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural heritage—its language, literature, music, and traditions—while recognizing culture as a dynamic force that must evolve sustainably with society’s progress. This aligns with Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), whose four pillars include the preservation and promotion of culture. GNH principles are integrated into all national and regional development plans. Bhutan ratified the UNESCO Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in 2005, entrusting the National Library & Archives, Department of Culture, and Dzongkha (National language) Development under the Ministry of Home Affairs with its implementation. With UNESCO-Delhi’s support, three national capacity-building workshops were held between 2012 and 2014 on implementing the 2003 Convention, community-based inventorying, and preparing nomination dossiers for ICH lists. These workshops engaged officials, scholars, and cultural institutions across the country and coincided with Bhutan’s ICH inventorying project supported by ICHCAP-South Korea. Continued cooperation with ICHCAP from 2022–2024 has advanced the development of an ICH repository, online database, and video documentation of Bhutan’s cultural elements. To consolidate heritage protection, Bhutan has drafted the Cultural Heritage Bill of Bhutan 2016, merging legislation on national archives, heritage sites, and intangible cultural heritage.
The National Library & Archives, under the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs, serves as the lead agency responsible for implementing activities related to safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in accordance with the convention. To support this effort, the Department coordinates meetings and consultations with over 42 stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private organizations, with assistance from the Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO and the parent Ministry. The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development is further supported by 20 Cultural Officers stationed at the district level, who work directly with communities to manage and safeguard ICH. Additionally, Drungtso (traditional medicine practitioners) collaborate with the Ministry of Health to promote traditional medical practices across the country. The Loden Foundation, a Civil Society Organization, contributes to preserving Bhutanese culture by promoting education, social entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage. Through its Culture Programme, Loden documents and studies Bhutan’s textual, oral, and artistic traditions and organizes cultural events to deepen understanding of Bhutan’s history, reflect on its present, and shape an integrated future. By applying cultural knowledge to sustainable development, Loden revitalizes ancient traditions and ensures their continued relevance.
Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan states that the State shall strive to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage—including its language, literature, and music. It further emphasizes that culture is a dynamic and evolving force, and the State should support the continued development of traditional values and institutions in ways that contribute to a progressive society. Bhutan’s unique development philosophy, Gross National Happiness (GNH), places the preservation and promotion of culture as one of its four main pillars. GNH principles guide all annual and Five-Year socio-economic development plans. In the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), Bhutan is strengthening its commitment to promoting and safeguarding cultural heritage through targeted programs and initiatives. A key priority of this plan is increasing participation from diverse stakeholders—particularly the private sector and non-governmental organizations—in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). In recognition of the economic and cultural value of heritage, the government aims to achieve the following planned activities to realise Sustainable Development Goals: 1. Involve the private sector by promoting cultural preservation as a viable professional field. 2. Encourage participation from local professionals and firms, enabling the certification of cultural practitioners, artisans, and artists. 3. Integrate cultural heritage and Dzongkha within the formal education system. Documentation materials are used by teachers and students as teaching and learning resources, helping transmit ICH through lesson plans, storytelling, cultural awareness programs, and both curricular and extracurricular activities. 4. Build the capacity of relevant institutions and cultural practitioners. 5. Explore the establishment of Cultural Centres dedicated to researching, safeguarding, promoting, and transmitting ICH. 6. Assess the feasibility of forming an ICH Board or related committees.
The National Library & Archives under the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, prepares proposals for either documenting new Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements or updating the existing ICH inventory. These proposals are submitted to the government for plan and budget approval. Once approved, the National Library & Archives distributes the activities and allocated budget to all 20 Dzongkhags (districts). The responsibility for implementation is then delegated to the Dzongkha Cultural Officers (DCOs), who serve as the focal persons at the district level. The DCO leads discussions at the grassroots level, working with Gewogs (block communities). At the Gewog level, the Gup (Local Government Leader), along with Tshogpas (community representatives), further disseminates information and engages the local communities to support the ICH inventorying process. Under the coordination of the local government, the inventorying is carried out with the participation of community members, groups, and individual practitioners. This process ensures respect for the diversity of ICH and promotes gender inclusiveness throughout. Community members first identify the ICH elements and collaboratively prepare the proposal. With community consensus, the proposal is submitted to the Gup through the designated representatives. At the Gewog Administration Office, the proposal undergoes verification to ensure authenticity and prevent duplication. Once validated, it is forwarded to the National Library & Archives after being endorsed by the Dzongda (District Administrative Executive Officer). The ICH inventory is reviewed and updated every five years using the same process.
The intention and methods of documentation may vary from country to country. In Bhutan, however, our approach is distinct. Our goal is not only to record intangible cultural heritage (ICH) for archival and future reference, but also to safeguard and promote these elements through various media platforms and publications. The primary purpose of documentation is preservation, while promotion remains a secondary objective. Therefore, instead of focusing mainly on historical accounts and background narratives, we emphasize documenting the processes, steps, and procedures—while still addressing the essential “why” behind them, including their religious, political, and social significance. We consider these two aspects—the procedural details and the underlying significance—as the core of effective documentation. We believe that with these elements properly recorded, any ICH element can be revived or validated in the future. Some anthropologists or cultural scholars may wonder why we do not stress historical perspectives. Our reasoning is that numerous publications and religious texts already capture those histories. However, if an artisan or ICH bearer passes away, their skills, procedures, and practices risk disappearing with them. To ensure the most authentic representation of ICH, documentation is carried out through detailed research that compares textual sources and includes oral narratives and recitations. At the same time, videography, audio recording, digitization of textual references, and photographic documentation are undertaken. The NLAB has developed a documentation framework that allows researchers to follow a consistent methodology, ensuring that essential information is not overlooked. The results of this documentation are published every five years as part of the Five-Year Plan. Non-print materials—videos, audio recordings, and photographs—are also systematically catalogued and maintained in two separate drives: one deposited in the archives and the other made accessible to the public.
Cultural diversity is generally defined by the presence of different cultural elements practiced by individuals, groups, and communities. Awareness of the existence of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) emerges through registrations, lists, or inventories maintained by local communities, local governments, or relevant government agencies, which are then incorporated into the National Inventory. Compiling such a National Inventory greatly supports not only the safeguarding of a country’s ICH but also the monitoring of its practice and transmission—an effort that ultimately strengthens community unity and fosters harmony. In Bhutan, the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH)—the guiding framework for national development—includes “Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage” as one of its pillars. This principle forms the foundation for the development action plans of all nine ministries: Agriculture and Livestock; Education and Skills Development; Energy and Natural Resources; Finance; Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Health; Home Affairs; Industry, Commerce and Employment; and Infrastructure and Transport, as well as Works and Human Settlement. Coupled with Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan (18 July 2008), which emphasizes Cultural Heritage, the GNH philosophy has also significantly strengthened the sustainability of ICH through its integration into preservation programs, promotional initiatives, and educational curricula. Bhutan’s National Inventory (2016) has provided essential information to relevant stakeholders for planning, education, and tourism promotion. It has also helped identify vulnerable ICH elements and shared heritage with strong potential for national and international nominations for various reasons. For example, using Inventory data, the National Library & Archives conducted detailed research and documentation on the festivals, events, and rituals of two districts—each with more than 25 festivals containing numerous ICH components. Additionally, endangered ICH elements have been documented on video and made accessible through YouTube channels. These efforts have contributed significantly to educating ICH practitioners about safeguarding their heritage and have enabled both local and international audiences to learn about and support preservation efforts.
Transmission, or the passing of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to future generations and maintaining lineage, is a crucial pillar for safeguarding and sustaining cultural diversity. Transmission can take many forms, including oral traditions (from mouth to ear), teaching, practice, formal and non-formal apprenticeships, publications, videos, audio recordings, and photographs—all of which directly or indirectly contribute to the preservation of ICH. The Royal Government of Bhutan regards the transmission of ICH as a vital responsibility in achieving the holistic goals of Gross National Happiness and fulfilling Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan. Consequently, every Ministry, corporate body, Civil Society Organisation, and even individual ICH bearers take active responsibility for passing on their knowledge and skills to younger generations. This is done through education, training, sensitisation programmes, awareness campaigns, workshops, apprenticeships, and other activities that ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge. Below are some key initiatives currently being carried out under the guidance of the Bhutanese government: School Curricula Teachers and students—across both formal and non-formal education systems—use ICH documentation materials as valuable teaching and learning resources to promote cultural appreciation and heritage transmission. Educators integrate these materials into lesson plans, storytelling, and cultural awareness programmes, introducing students to traditional knowledge, rituals, and artistic expressions in meaningful and engaging ways. ICH resources are also embedded into curricular and extracurricular activities, helping students connect deeply with Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Vocational Training Curricula The 13 Traditional Arts of Bhutan (Zorig Chusum): This institute plays a central role in preserving and promoting Bhutan’s traditional crafts. It offers formal training programmes in all 13 arts—such as painting, sculpture, metalwork, and woodwork—ensuring that these skills continue to thrive among new generations. Government Agencies Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division (TPAMD): Established in 1967, this academy is mandated to preserve and promote Bhutan’s performing arts. A formal folk music and dance group was introduced in 1970, strengthening traditional performance practices. Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD): The Department provides training in traditional arts and crafts, oral traditions, performing arts, and religious practices. Workshops may include Cham dances, thangka painting, woodcarving, Bhutanese etiquette, and ritual ceremonies rooted in Buddhist traditions. Monastic Institutions Monastic centres transmit ICH through oral teachings, spiritual instruction, sacred chants, and ritual practices. Training is often apprenticeship-based, where younger monks learn directly from senior monks or lamas, ensuring an unbroken lineage of spiritual and cultural knowledge. Community and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Local governments and CSOs collectively undertake numerous ICH safeguarding initiatives, especially in areas where government support may not fully reach. Their efforts include reviving endangered craftsmanship skills—such as nettle-fibre weaving and incense-making—as well as documenting ICH through audio and video recordings, digitising manuscripts and paper records, and preserving folk music, shamanistic practices, and many other traditions.
Beyond transmission, keeping intangible cultural heritage (ICH) active is essential for sustainability and for preserving a community’s identity and harmonious way of life. Among the necessary actions, the revitalization of endangered or declining ICH elements is especially important, as these practices significantly contribute to social cohesion. Some may ask, “Why should only certain ICH elements be revitalized?” The reason is that not all elements contribute equally to social harmony, and therefore priority is given to those with greater community value. Several revitalization initiatives have been undertaken by the Bhutanese government, corporations, civil society organizations, and even individual ICH bearers. These include research and documentation of heritage monuments and sites, festivals, events, rituals, and traditional crafts, often carried out in collaboration with community members. The resulting records and publications are shared back with the communities to support deeper learning and ensure continuity of their ICH traditions. Other initiatives involve establishing community-based craft industries to support commercial opportunities, inviting ICH practitioners to participate in district, regional, and national events for live demonstrations and product sales, and organizing special community festivals such as the Royal Highland Festival in Laya (Gasa), the Jomolhari Mountain Festival in Lingzhi (Thimphu), and the Rhododendron Week in Merak (Trashigang). Numerous food festivals also enable local communities to showcase their diverse cultures, traditions, and customs. These platforms not only revitalize practices but also revive endangered ICH elements such as “Auley”—a folk narration and performance tradition of the Laya community—recently documented comprehensively by national media. Another ongoing revitalization effort is led by the National Library & Archives of Bhutan (NLAB), which is working to preserve the nearly disappearing arts of woodblock script engraving and Bhutanese calligraphy. NLAB organizes special programs during summer and winter breaks, offering youth the opportunity to experience, learn, and even apprentice in these art forms so that the knowledge can be carried forward into the future.
Since the ICH safeguarding policy is integrated into the Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, it enables ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to collectively preserve intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through shared and comprehensive safeguarding measures. Regarding environmental protection, Bhutanese culture—rooted in ancient folk beliefs and further reinforced by Buddhist principles—deeply reveres natural elements such as mountains, cliffs, rocks, forests, lakes, and rivers as the abodes of spirits. Wild animals are often viewed as manifestations of these spiritual beings. These beliefs have played a significant role in fostering the rich biodiversity found across the region. ICH contributes to sustainable development in several ways: Economic activities: ICH-related economic initiatives generate income, support local livelihoods, and promote social cohesion. Examples include tourism attractions, farmstay establishments, production and marketing of souvenirs, community product stalls, and events like the Royal Highland Festival. Community participation: Involving communities in safeguarding efforts leads to more creative, efficient solutions and helps identify and mitigate potential conflicts. The Royal Government of Bhutan, through agencies such as the Department of Tourism, actively supports communities by providing training, skills development, and forming Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to create businesses and build market linkages. These initiatives aim not only to strengthen economic opportunities but also to preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage, ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations while promoting productive employment and decent work for Bhutanese citizens. Additionally, Bhutan’s tourism industry is carefully regulated to ensure alignment with national development goals. The government encourages tourists to engage in cultural and environmental activities—such as trekking and bird-watching—rather than limiting their experience to popular tourist sites.
Whether for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH), conducting inventories, registration, research and documentation, or preparing nomination processes, the individual Dzongkhags (districts) and the concerned Gewog (block) Administration Offices serve as secondary stakeholders, in addition to the primary stakeholder—namely the community or bearers of the ICH. The individuals, groups, and communities who are the actual practitioners hold the primary responsibility for identifying, defining, and transmitting their ICH. The Gewog Administration validates the authenticity of the ICH, and the Dzongkhag Administration, assisted by the designated Cultural Officer, proposes its inclusion in the National Inventory List to the concerned agency. When an ICH element is found to be in urgent need of safeguarding or promotion, and with the interest and consent of the bearers or proposing community, a detailed project proposal is then developed in accordance with the required formats and guidelines for UNESCO nominations. A few examples of community participation in documentation, inventorying, nomination, or safeguarding activities include the research and documentation of festivals in two districts: Bumthang in central Bhutan and Lhuentse in the eastern region. Festivals are important community events that bring together large gatherings and simultaneously showcase numerous ICH elements. They help foster unity, harmony, social networking, information sharing, and celebration, while also providing an opportunity for the indirect transmission of diverse ICH-related knowledge to younger generations. Such projects involve the participation of primary ICH bearers, secondary practitioners, learners, and even spectators during the data collection process, which includes note-taking, audio and video recordings, and photography on-site. The collected information is then authenticated using available primary written sources and supported by secondary references from the National Library. Finally, the printed version of the documentation is shared with the community for review and verification of their oral information provided. These safeguarding methods contribute significantly to preserving ICH by ensuring the learning and sharing of authentic, validated knowledge, supporting sound decision-making processes, and generating reliable and constructive ICH information rather than relying solely on fragile oral traditions
Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and its four pillars—Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development, Cultural Preservation and Promotion, Environmental Conservation, and Good Governance—Bhutan strives to balance material progress with spiritual, cultural, and ecological well-being. These principles serve as the foundation for planning and implementing all development activities. In addition, Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan mandates the State to “preserve, protect, and promote Bhutan’s cultural heritage, including its historical sites, language, literature, music, and religion,” recognizing culture as dynamic and evolving while supporting traditional values and institutions within a progressive society. Together, these guiding concepts naturally draw all stakeholders—government agencies and private sectors alike—toward ensuring community participation from the earliest stages of conceptualization. This is especially important for upholding the pillar of Cultural Preservation and Promotion, essentially safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) while pursuing economic development. In practice, whether the project involves watershed management, forest conservation, biodiversity protection, or hydropower development, a series of consultations with mandatory community engagement is prioritized. Such engagement ensures that local perspectives, concerns, and consent are incorporated and that the diverse domains of ICH remain protected. Based on these consultations, relevant agencies provide timely budget allocations, safeguarding grants, training programs, and other support. A notable example is the feasibility study for the proposed 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPP) in Autsho, Mongar district. Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPCL), while initiating the project, aligned its work with the GNH pillar on cultural preservation by conducting an ICH survey involving nearby communities, whose settlements—and the vibrant ICH and cultural heritage sites around them—could be affected by the proposed tunnel alignment. The preliminary survey report was submitted to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development and subsequently validated with the involvement of local government officials, cultural officers, and community representatives. Recognizing the presence of significant ICH and heritage sites, DGPCL has committed to supporting the communities in their preservation and safeguarding efforts.
After the concerned agency conducts its initial consultations with community members and representatives, it submits the reports to the parent agency for further validation and confirmation of the findings and proposals. The parent agency then carries out more detailed consultations with relevant stakeholders and subsequently presents the proposal for broader community feedback. Once the proposal has undergone several rounds of validation, the documents are included as an agenda item for the Gewog (block-level) Yargye Tshogdu (GYT), a biannual developmental meeting where decisions are made before forwarding the proposal to the Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu (DYT), or District Developmental Meeting, and ultimately to Parliament for approval. These steps reflect the collaborative processes among community members, groups, and local administrative bodies up to the district and parliamentary levels. Throughout this process, dialogue is facilitated, information is shared, networks are strengthened, development initiatives are refined, and the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) remains a priority. In summary, informal community consultations, reporting and validation by the parent agency, and the subsequent submission of proposals to the GYT, DYT, and finally Parliament all serve as dialogue platforms that ensure everyone is well informed and aware of the planned activities.
While developing and implementing safeguarding measures for ICH is vital, promotional initiatives are equally important to ensure its long-term sustainability. Over the past two years, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development has focused on empowering youth as custodians of cultural heritage. This initiative will continue for another three years, supported by well-planned and budgeted youth engagement programs. At the same time, the general public, including community members, consistently participates in educational activities. At the ministerial and departmental levels, the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock, Education and Development Skills, and Home Affairs carry out a variety of public awareness and educational programs. These include Food Festivals, Mushroom Festivals, Bird Festivals, the Royal Mountain Festival, the Rhododendron Festival, Mask Dance Festivals, Textile Exhibitions, Scout Winter Camps, annual cultural competitions, debates, and more. Additionally, ICH topics are incorporated and regularly updated within school curricula. These festivals and educational events highlight diverse ICH elements while nurturing a sense of appreciation and responsibility among youth as future custodians. Likewise, various corporations and non-governmental organizations support these efforts by organizing ICH awareness and educational programs on an annual or biannual basis.
The technological revolution has significantly eased our efforts to socialize, raise awareness, sensitize communities, and share information. Today, vast amounts of content can be disseminated within a short time through various multimedia channels. Although traditional offline programs such as festivals, exhibitions, and face-to-face teaching continue to exist, they are now supported—and in some cases partially replaced—by modern information and communication tools. For example, festival or event advertisements designed as flyers or banners and circulated through both print media and social media platforms achieve an extraordinary outreach. Recognizing the influence of both print and digital media, organizers increasingly utilize these channels to promote events, festivals, and educational content. As in many developed countries, dedicated websites and social media platforms serve as effective mediums for reaching audiences not only within the nation but also globally. To enhance sustainability, academic value, and global accessibility, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development and the National Library & Archives of Bhutan have established partnerships with international organizations such as the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under UNESCO (ICHCAP) and the Asian Cultural Center (ACC). These collaborations support the creation of online platforms that provide easy access to Bhutanese intangible cultural heritage and the development of a Cultural Resource Center aimed at promoting the visibility of cultural bearers and traditions.
The fundamental step in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is its documentation. This process includes listing, inventorying, registering, and conducting research, which are then compiled into books and digital records for learning, teaching, knowledge sharing, valuing, and implementing protective and promotional measures. Documentation itself is also a vital means of transmitting knowledge. The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development has published more than 170 books covering both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including language and literature. These publications are distributed to various institutions, individual researchers, academics, and even local communities for reference. Several festivals and performing arts have been recorded in audio, video, and other digital formats, and are broadcast through Bhutan Broadcasting Service television and radio channels for wider outreach. Additionally, many publications have been digitized and made accessible through dedicated websites and multimedia platforms. A notable example contributing to the safeguarding of ICH is the research and documentation project that led to the publication Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan, which now serves as the National Inventory List of Bhutan. This project involved active community participation and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, the annual Cultural Officers’ meeting and nationwide ICH surveys have created valuable platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering appreciation, and strengthening efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
Beyond the knowledge and wisdom gained through formal schooling, relevant field-based training and education programmes are vital for individual professional development, organisational success, and the creation of a competitive and progressive society. Such programmes empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and contribute significantly to national economic growth. Prior to the joint project with ICHCAP in 2012 for developing Bhutan’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development and the ICH focal agency—the National Library & Archives of Bhutan—had not received any specialised training related to ICH safeguarding. The focus had largely been on researching and documenting selected topics, primarily within the Tangible Cultural Heritage domain. With the commencement of the project, however, our teams received a series of intensive capacity-building trainings and workshops, including the Capacity-Building Workshop on Implementing the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and two rounds of Capacity-Building Workshops on Community-Based Inventorying under UNESCO’s 2003 Convention. Following the publication of the ICH of Bhutan book, another collaborative project with ICHCAP was launched to develop content for the ichLinks online platform. This was followed by the organisation of the 1st Asia-Pacific Information Officers’ Capacity-Building Workshop on Operating the ichLinks Platform, hosted by the National Library & Archives of Bhutan, with participation from Information Officers representing nine countries and three ICHCAP facilitators. In 2025, ICHCAP, in partnership with the National University of Cultural Heritage in Buyeo, conducted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Information Officers’ Capacity-Building Workshop on ICH Information Management. Additionally, multiple ichLinks Executive Meetings were held online to facilitate experience-sharing among ICHCAP member states. The National Library & Archives of Bhutan and the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development have also provided ICH research and documentation training programmes to 20 District Cultural Officers and several cohorts of Desuung Cultural Guides, further strengthening national capacity for safeguarding Bhutan’s intangible cultural heritage.
In alignment with the principles of Gross National Happiness and in accordance with Article 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan, the responsibility for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) rests with all institutions, corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), concerned communities, and even individuals. These entities must ensure that their plans and activities do not harm ICH, while also recognising that the vitality and harmony of communities are deeply tied to their cultural heritage. Active community participation is essential, as it allows for the incorporation of local wisdom and suggestions. The government plays a supportive role by assisting NGOs in their ICH safeguarding initiatives, providing both technical support (such as expert advice, work approval, and visa grants) and intellectual support (such as advocacy) to ensure successful project outcomes. While government institutions typically receive financial support from the government, NGOs often seek funding from international organizations for specific projects or infrastructure improvements. However, it is crucial for the government to stay informed about the plans and activities of NGOs to provide necessary support, including the introduction of information management systems, and to prevent duplication of efforts.
The divisions under the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development have organised numerous national events, as well as several international meetings, symposiums, and workshops. These gatherings brought together ICH bearers, practitioners, and community members, along with international experts from regional organisations and cultural institutions abroad. Such events showcased indigenous arts and crafts, food and beverages, and performing arts, while also fostering intellectual exchange and professional networking to support the safeguarding of ICH. As a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bhutan has also collaborated with organisations such as the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under UNESCO (ICHCAP), the Asian Cultural Center (ACC), Korea, Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) in Japan, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). These institutions have organised multiple exhibitions, workshops, and symposiums both online and offline in and out of the country, providing valuable platforms for learning, knowledge sharing, and strengthening professional networks among experts and practitioners. Local experts, practitioners, academicians, researchers, and students were invited to participate in these events so that they could deepen their understanding, appreciate the value of ICH, and contribute meaningfully to its safeguarding in the future.
To achieve long-term goals and ensure sustainable progress, the input from bilateral and multilateral collaborations and cooperation is far more effective, progressive, and provides a stronger foundation than projects driven by a single entity. Such collaborations not only foster deeper, long-term relationships but also enable quicker decision-making, expand geographical or sectoral reach, bring diverse expertise, skills, and resources, and open doors to new networks, among other benefits. For the National Library & Archives of Bhutan (NLAB), the Department of Culture, and Dzongkha Development, the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, has been the sole international organization that has significantly contributed to the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Since the inception of the ICH project in 2012, remarkable progress has been made through a series of collaborative projects. These initiatives have provided capacity-building training, conducted joint research, and organized numerous exchange programs, both in-person and online. As a result, the collaboration has led to the publication of the National Inventory of ICH, video documentation of endangered ICH elements, the online accessibility of Bhutanese ICH, and the digitization of audio-visual analogue cassettes. NLAB extends its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to ICHCAP for its invaluable support in helping safeguard Bhutan’s ICH and promote the wider dissemination of Bhutanese traditions, not only to the younger generation but also to the rest of the world.
As a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bhutan has collaborated with several international organizations, including the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under UNESCO (ICHCAP), the Asian Cultural Center (ACC) in Korea, the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) in Japan, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Bhutan actively participates in exhibitions, workshops, and symposiums—both online and offline—within and outside the country. In 2025, Bhutan chaired the 6th ichLinks Executive Meeting, hosted online by ICHCAP. The meeting aimed to strengthen network connections among partner member states and reinforce strategic direction and collaborative governance for ichLinks through a more streamlined and inclusive decision-making process. Bhutan also took part in the 2nd Asia-Pacific Information Officers’ Capacity-Building Workshop on ICH Information Management, held online to promote experience-sharing among ICHCAP member states, in partnership with the National University of Cultural Heritage in Buyeo, South Korea. Recently, Bhutan hosted the SAARC Festival of Rice Culinary Arts and Spice Exhibition, which aimed to: revitalize disappearing rice-related crafts in the SAARC region; introduce traditional, fusion, and modern rice-based cuisines of the SAARC member states to both regional and international audiences; document recipes, culinary practices, traditional tools, and other elements used by participating food artisans; showcase traditional rice varieties from each member state; and create opportunities for participants to exchange knowledge on spices and develop new culinary ideas. These regional and international initiatives have helped create valuable platforms for learning, knowledge sharing, and strengthening professional networks.
Bhutan has made notable contributions through its involvement in the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), demonstrating strong national implementation and active regional and international cooperation. The country has developed and regularly updated its National ICH Inventory, strengthened institutional frameworks such as the Division for Cultural Property and NLAB, and adopted policies aligned with UNESCO guidelines. Bhutan has also advanced documentation and digitization efforts—through video recording, audio preservation, and digital archiving—while improving global accessibility via platforms like ichLinks. Capacity-building remains a priority, with Bhutan both benefiting from and contributing to training programs that enhance professional skills and promote regional knowledge exchange. It supports the Convention’s nomination processes, increasing the international visibility of Bhutanese traditions. Community involvement has been reinforced through initiatives that encourage participation, transmission, apprenticeships, and the revitalization of declining practices. Bhutan’s collaboration with organizations such as ICHCAP, ACCU, ACC, ICIMOD, and SAARC contributes to joint research, shared knowledge platforms, and policy dialogue. The country also promotes ICH awareness through exhibitions, festivals, digital resources, and educational activities, while sharing its good practices globally through conferences and expert meetings. Regular periodic reporting to UNESCO further reflects Bhutan’s commitment and highlights its achievements and needs within the Himalayan context. These engagements collectively strengthen international cooperation, broaden visibility, and enhance Bhutan’s role in global ICH safeguarding.