Intangible Heritage Preservation Bill

During the clause-by-clause discussion on the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill, I welcomed the introduction of a dedicated legal framework to safeguard Nepal's living cultural heritage. While Nepal has long protected tangible heritage through existing laws, this Bill marks an important step towards recognising and protecting the traditions, knowledge, skills, languages, and cultural practices that are passed down through generations. I highlighted the importance of clearly defining intangible cultural property so that traditional recipes, weaving techniques, oral traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems are recognised alongside festivals, music, and other cultural expressions. I also emphasised that protecting heritage means protecting the communities and knowledge bearers who keep these traditions alive. I further stressed the need to strengthen intellectual property protection, establish sustainable support mechanisms, and learn from international best practices to ensure that Nepal's intangible cultural heritage remains a living tradition for future generations.