Algerian Radio
The Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, proceeded with the installation of the National Commission responsible for monitoring intangible cultural heritage files, a move that reflects the special attention granted by the Algerian State to the protection, safeguarding, and valorization of this civilizational legacy, according to an integrated strategic vision, a ministry press release indicated yesterday, Tuesday.
The installation of this commission is part of "the new approach adopted by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, based on the balance between scientific foundations regarding inventory and documentation and anticipation in monitoring and implementation," as well as "in the realization of the ministerial will aiming to perfect the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage elements and to ensure methodical mastery of the process of drafting and processing files, both at the national level and for those relating to inscription on UNESCO lists, thus guaranteeing precision, consistency, and efficiency in action."
In this context, the Minister affirmed that "intangible cultural heritage constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of national identity and requires a rigorous scientific and institutional approach, based on close coordination between the different sectors and stakeholders, and going beyond ad-hoc handling towards the adoption of a proactive and sustainable vision regarding management and monitoring."
The National Commission takes on a "central role" in organizing the inventory operation, defining priorities, monitoring the progress of files, and unifying the methodologies adopted for documentation and updating. It is also tasked with proposing legal and regulatory mechanisms aimed at protecting elements of intangible cultural heritage against the risks of disappearance, according to the press release.
This step also reflects the Minister's will to establish "effective governance" of files related to intangible cultural heritage, by offering a comprehensive national framework guaranteeing mastery of information, the valorization of traditional knowledge, the involvement of experts and researchers, as well as the link between inventory, scientific research, digitization, and skills transfer.
In this perspective, the Commission is expected to contribute to strengthening Algeria's place on the international stage by preparing complete candidature files, illustrating the national cultural richness and diversity, and establishing Algeria's presence as an active State committed to the protection of intangible cultural heritage, in its human and universal dimension.
Through the installation of this Commission, the Ministry of Culture and Arts reaffirms that the preservation of intangible cultural heritage constitutes a "strategic choice and a national challenge," requiring rigorous monitoring, control of procedures, and continuous work in order to guarantee the transmission of this civilizational heritage to future generations, within a framework respectful of its authenticity and adapted to contemporary challenges.
