Intangible Cultural Heritage in Small Island States

Across the world, people from small island states are rightly proud of their intangible cultural heritage (ICH). According to the 2003 UNESCO Convention, ICH can include valuable traditions and customs including dances, performing arts, craftsmanship, language, rituals, and ways of seeing the world. 

The protection of ICH differs widely both in how it is conducted and its effectiveness. Within a local community, transmission of ICH often works well, particularly if civil society organizations, families and state institutions work together. Challenges can arise where these conditions are not met and particularly where large numbers of islanders leave their home and disperse to places around the world. 

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Out-Migration and Perceived Loss of Culture

People leave their home islands for a myriad of reasons. Among young people - the future bearer of ICH - these reasons often include education, employment opportunities, or mere curiosity. In many cases, emigres never return home and raise their children in the new country using a new language. 

Small island communities can perceive a loss of cultural continuity when new generations do not continue practices that are associated with their ICH. For islanders living off-island this may equally lead to a feeling of cultural loss. It is hard for them or their children to fit in again, if they ever return, without the language and the knowledge of traditional practices. 

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Climate Change

Similarly, climate change and sea level rise are threatening the world's island nations. From salt water intrusion into fresh water sources to increasingly powerful bad-weather events such as storms and droughts, the challenges for these nations increase steadily. A share of the inhabitants of today's island nations will likely become environmental refugees living in foreign lands.

​Adding to increasing already high levels of migration, climate change further increases the pressure on the intangible cultural heritage of small island communities.  This separation from tradition and culture will be painful for climate change refugees, who will have a hard time continuing cultural community practices that have existed for thousands of years. This means that safeguarding ICH must be seen as a way to adapt to climate change.