Study Notes on Ceviche as Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Diplomacy

Representación Permanente del Perú ante la UNESCO
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8935-1196

The recognition of ceviche as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2023 expands its significance beyond cuisine.
- Encompasses:
- Artisanal fishing.
- Traditional agriculture.
- Intergenerational knowledge.
Achievement as a collaborative effort between:
- Peruvian government.
- Local communities.
Strengthens national identity and promotes:
- Environmental sustainability.
- Cultural diversity.
Peruvian gastronomy as a tool for cultural diplomacy:
- Boosts tourism, exports, and economic development.
- Avoids exclusionary nationalism.
- Favors a dynamic, community-centered approach.

El ceviche reconocido como Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad por la UNESCO en 2023 destaca prácticas ancestrales.
- Alcance incluye:
- Pesca artesanal.
- Agricultura tradicional.
- Conocimientos intergeneracionales.
Logro de un proceso participativo liderado por el Estado peruano.
Refuerza identidad nacional y promueve:
- Sostenibilidad ambiental.
- Diversidad cultural.
Consolidación de la gastronomía peruana como herramienta de diplomacia cultural que:
- Impulsa turismo.
- Fomenta exportaciones y desarrollo económico.
- Descarta nacionalismos excluyentes.

Ceviche's inclusion in the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2023.
Decision 18.COM 8.B.4 adopted in Kasane, Botswana.
Significance:
- Ceviche represents traditional Peruvian cuisine.
- Marks conclusion of a long process among various state sectors.
- Prominence in the international cultural scene.
Celebrations and international media attention on the inscription.

Understanding ceviche's milestone aligns with a broader trend of gastronomy as a fundamental component of intangible cultural heritage.
Transition began several decades ago:
- Gastronomy recognized as a vital element shaping people's identity and cultural diplomacy.
- Several culinary traditions inscribed by UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
- 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a new paradigm.

Definition
- Defined in the 2003 Convention:
  - Practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills recognized by communities as part of their cultural heritage.
- Living heritage transmitted from generation to generation.
- Recreated by communities in response to environmental interactions.
Importance of Intangible Heritage
- Includes:
  - Oral traditions and expressions.
  - Performing arts.
  - Social practices and rituals.
- Linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- Broadening cultural heritage understanding to include social dynamics.

Eating as both biological necessity and cultural act.
Food culture as a collective memory:
- Gastronomy represents adaptation, domestication of nature, and cultural blending.
- Cooking traditions evolve with bearers.
Gastronomy as a distinctive marker of community identity:
- Migrant populations maintaining food traditions abroad.
- Ceviche connects to fishing practices, agriculture, festivals, and community ties.

Food's Emotional Value
- Food evokes memories of flavors and connections with ancestors.
- Shared culinary experiences become integral to heritage.
- Recognition of gastronomy enhances cultural safeguarding.

Distinctions between material items and cultural practices:
- UNESCO defines elements of intangible heritage in relation to knowledge, techniques, and meanings.
Challenges:
- Initial resistance from UNESCO regarding food-related elements due to cultural competition concerns.
- Increased rigor in evaluations leading to numerous observations on nomination files.
Formation of the nomination came to fruition in 2018:
- Peruvian Ministry of Culture initiated an intersectoral working group.
- Collaboration involved traditional fishers and various public-private stakeholders.

Criteria for Inscription (R.1 - R.5):
- R.1: Qualification as intangible cultural heritage.
- R.2: Enhancing awareness and understanding of intangible cultural heritage.
- R.3: Safeguarding measures for protection and preservation.
- R.4: Community participation ensuring free consent.
- R.5: Inventory inclusion for submitting states.
Evaluation Process
- Complexity in addressing community involvement and international dialogue contributions.
- Committee's evaluation praised the network of knowledge around ceviche ⚠ sustainable practices, cultural diversity, and community involvement.

Final recommendation for inscription during Botswana session on Dec 5, 2023:
- Recognized ceviche as integral to Peruvian identity.
- Emphasizes cultural adaptability and innovation.

Cultural Diplomacy
- Ceviche serves as Peru's cultural ambassador.
- Reinforces national pride and cultural diversity.
- Offers new economic opportunities in the global market.
Sustainable Development
- Recognition influences marine resource management.
- Ensures traditional practices against the challenges of modernity.

Ceviche as a symbol of integrated knowledge systems.
UNESCO recognition not only pertains to gastronomy but also restores community pride.
Promotes intercultural dialogue and helps address issues of globalization impacting traditional practices.