DECLARATION

-Intangible cultural heritage constitute some of the fundamental sources of the cultural identity of the peoples and communities and at the same time it is common wealth to the whole humanity. They are an essential factor in the preservation of cultural diversity.

-Intangible cultural heritage creates a sense of belonging and continuity among communities, and is therefore considered as one of the mainsprings of creativity and cultural creation. From this point of view, an all-encompassing approach to cultural heritage should prevail, taking into account the dynamic link between the tangible and intangible heritage and their close interaction.

- The safeguarding and transmission of the intangible heritage is essentially based on the will and effective intervention of the actors involved in this heritage. In order to ensure the sustainability of this process, governments have a duty to take measures facilitating the democratic participation of all stakeholders.

- The extreme vulnerability of the intangible cultural heritage, which is threatened by disappearance or marginalisation, as a result inter alia of conflicts, intolerance, excessive merchandising, uncontrolled urbanisation or rural decay, requires that governments take resolute action respecting the context in which the intangible cultural heritage is expressed and disseminated.

- The process of globalisation, while presenting serious threats of uniformisation on intangible cultural heritage, may facilitate its dissemination, mainly through new information and communication technologies, thereby creating a digital heritage also worthy of safeguarding. Globalisation can promote values of solidarity and tolerance resulting in a better understanding of others and respect for diversity.

- Intangible cultural heritage is a guarantee for sustainable development and peace as well as cultural diversity.

- South East Europe is a unique region with a rich and diverse cultural basis. Several cities and villages are multicultural which mirror the rich mix of peoples and cultures that have coexisted in the region for centuries. Intangible cultural heritage, being an important feature of this fertile background, plays an ever growing role in bringing the countries of South East Europe closer. In this context, the Participating States should seek to further encourage and promote cultural exchanges among themselves.

-In conclusion we, the participating and represented Ministers of Culture of Southeast Europe Countries, agreed on taking steps as follows;

1.    Undertake to actively promote and circulate the principles set out in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage dated 2003.

2.    Develop policies which aim identification, safeguarding, promotion and transmission of the intangible cultural heritage, especially Living Human Treasures, particularly through information and education.

3.    Encourage development of new forms of international cooperation through setting up mechanisms for recognition and detection of intangible cultural heritage products, inventories of best practices and the creation of networks, mobilizing resources and encouraging consultations between countries sharing expressions of intangible heritage.

4.    Encourage State Parties to present multinational nomination files within the framework of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the purpose of promoting shared cultural heritage. Accordingly, we agreed on the point of supporting mutual academic, cultural researches and publications also studies conducting by academicians and related NGOs.

5.    Contribute to and participate actively in the “Balkan Village-Living Together Harmoniously” exhibition project, the preparations of which have been initiated by the Turkish SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office for the term 2009/2010.

6.    Undertake to organize “South East Europe Cultural Days” as part of the programs of events of each upcoming SEECP Chairman State, whilst the first of such event will be organized by the current Turkish Chair.

7.    Welcome the establishment of the Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage as UNESCO Category II Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Sofia, Bulgaria.