Culture

Buthan

• © UNESCO/Y. Jooris
• Thimphu

The Kingdom of Bhutan has an abundant and original cultural heritage, including in particular some Buddhist monasteries.

Cooperation between UNESCO and Bhutan hinges on the safeguarding and conservation of this heritage, and in particular on the formulation of an action plan to implement the World Heritage Convention. This involves the preparation of a Tentative List of sites and related documentation with a view to their inscription on the World Heritage List. Another priority is the restoration of the Himalayan monasteries. The country, which is renowned for its textile traditions, also needs assistance in training museum staff in conservation of textiles.

With regard to the living heritage, an inventory of traditional entertainment arts was drawn up and Bhuthan's Mask Dance of the Drums from Drametse was proclaimed a Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

Another sector being explored with UNESCO support is that of sustainable tourism for which activities began in Phobjikha Valley in 2003.