On 20 May 2026, the ENFP Network organized an online thematic meeting dedicated to inventorying procedures and practices under the 2003 Convention in Europe. Bringing together more than 50 participants, the webinar created a rich space for peer learning and exchange on how inventorying systems are evolving in different national contexts, what challenges remain, and how living heritage communities can be more meaningfully involved in safeguarding processes. The meeting also contributed to ongoing reflections linked to the upcoming Periodic Reporting cycle.
This thematic meeting was initiated and developed by Mirela Hrovatin (Facilitator, Croatia) and Helmut Groschwitz (ICH expert, Germany), with the support of Ioana Baskerville (Focal Point, Romania; ENFP Steering Committee), and assisted by FLAME and team members of Workshop Intangible Heritage led by Jorijn Neyrinck (Facilitator, Belgium, ENFP Steering Committee).
The meeting was based on a survey coordinated by Mirela and Helmut, with the support of the ENFP Steering Committee. The survey gathered responses from 32 European countries and provided a broad overview of inventorying systems, institutional frameworks, participation mechanisms, safeguarding measures, and current trends across Europe.
Inventorying systems in transition
One of the strongest impressions emerging from the presentations and discussions was that inventorying processes across Europe are constantly evolving. While institutional and legal frameworks remain highly diverse from one country to another, many participants noted similar developments taking place in recent years.
The survey results highlighted a gradual shift away from more administrative and top-down approaches toward systems that are increasingly participatory, flexible, and community-oriented. Participants also discussed how inventories are becoming more open to different kinds of practices and communities, while some countries are increasingly connecting inventorying with sustainable development goals and wider safeguarding policies.
The discussions also showed that inventories are far from static tools. Several speakers emphasized the importance of keeping inventories “alive” through regular updates, dialogue with communities, and long-term safeguarding processes rather than treating inscription as an end point in itself.
Participation of communities at the centre of the discussion
A major focus of the meeting concerned the participation of communities, groups and individuals (CGIs) throughout inventorying processes.
The survey showed encouraging results, with a large majority of countries reporting that communities are involved in several or all stages of the inventorying process, including safeguarding measures and, in many cases, decision-making procedures.
At the same time, participants openly discussed the challenges that still exist, particularly when working with informal groups, minority communities, migrant communities, or communities with fewer institutional or financial resources. Several participants stressed that participation cannot simply be assumed, but requires continuous mediation, trust-building, and long-term relationships.
Throughout the meeting, the important role of mediators repeatedly emerged as a key theme. NGOs, facilitators, museums, researchers, and local organizations were described as essential bridges between institutions and communities, helping communities navigate administrative procedures, identify funding opportunities, and engage with safeguarding mechanisms over time.
Sharing experiences from across Europe
A central part of the webinar was dedicated to presentations and exchanges on different national approaches to inventorying.
Spain: inventorying as a safeguarding measure
Paloma Sánchez Gómez (Focal Point, Spain) presented the Spanish experience through the presentation Knowing to Protect: The Inventory Process as a Safeguarding Measure for Intangible Cultural Heritage. The presentation highlighted Spain’s particularly diverse inventorying landscape, which currently includes 27 regional inventories in addition to the national inventory.
The Spanish experience raised important reflections on the diversity of legal frameworks, the relationship between inventories and safeguarding policies, and the need to keep inventories dynamic and regularly updated rather than allowing them to become “fossilized” lists disconnected from ongoing safeguarding work.
United Kingdom: developing an inclusive and bottom-up process
Participants also heard from Joannne Orr (Facilitator, UK), who attended the meeting together with Phil Foxwood (Focal Point, UK) and August Crocker (Expert, UK). They presented reflections and Considerations for an Inclusive and Bottom-up Approach to National Inventorying following the recent ratification of the Convention by the United Kingdom in 2024.
The presentation emphasized the strong participatory approach adopted from the beginning, with extensive community consultations, workshops, and guidance focused on ethical considerations and community consent. The level of interest generated by the process attracted particular attention, with more than 250 applications reportedly submitted during the first round.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: navigating complex governance structures
Anka Raič (Facilitator, Bosnia and Herzegovina), shared reflections on the inventorying process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the complexity of the country’s institutional structure and the particularly important role played by UNESCO accredited NGOs and associations throughout the safeguarding process. The presentation emphasized how these organizations often help bridge communication between communities, local administrations, and national authorities, especially in contexts where institutional structures can be fragmented or capacities remain limited.
Finland: cultural diversity in the Wiki-Inventory of Living Heritage
Leena Marsio (Focal Point, Finland; ENFP Steering Committee) presented Finland’s experience with its Wiki-based inventory system through a presentation dedicated to Cultural Diversity in the Wiki-Inventory of Living Heritage.
Particular attention was given to efforts made in recent years to involve minority and migrant communities more actively in the inventorying process. The presentation showed how partnerships with NGOs, multilingual approaches, community ambassadors, and collaborative workshops helped create stronger inclusion and visibility for communities that are often less represented in heritage policies.
Flanders: a multi-layered approach to inventorying
Finally, Sophie Muylaert (Expert, Flanders-Belgium) introduced the Flemish model through the presentation Inventorying in Flanders–Belgium: A Multi-layered Approach.
The presentation explored how the Flemish system combines a broad and open “large collection” of practices on the ICH website immaterieelerfgoed.be, alongside an official inventory, and a register of good safeguarding practices in order to respond to different levels of engagement and needs among communities and organisations.
The discussion also highlighted several ongoing challenges, including the diversification of the official inventory, long-term follow-up with communities after inscription, and questions related to financial support for living heritage and safeguarding activities.
Breakout discussions and emerging themes
The second half of the webinar was dedicated to breakout discussions focusing on four thematic subtopics:
- Participation of communities, groups and individuals in inventorying processes.
- Strengthening inventorying capacities of local communities and non-majority groups.
- Reporting, follow-up, and monitoring after inscription.
- Connecting inventories with the SDGs and other sectors.
The discussions highlighted many shared concerns and experiences across countries. Participants reflected on the challenges of maintaining long-term relationships with communities, developing stronger monitoring systems, and creating more inclusive approaches for communities that may not always have the resources or institutional support needed to engage with inventorying procedures.
The discussions also underlined the growing importance of connecting inventorying and safeguarding work with other policy areas such as education, tourism, agriculture, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
Several participants emphasized that safeguarding increasingly depends not only on cultural institutions themselves, but also on the ability to create dialogue and cooperation across sectors, local authorities, NGOs, and community networks.
Looking ahead
The meeting concluded with an open discussion on possible future peer-learning activities within the ENFP Network. Among the themes proposed by participants were identifying financial support mechanisms for communities, legal frameworks related to intangible cultural heritage, and the role of mediators and facilitators in safeguarding processes.
The initiative was very positively received by participants and generated highly encouraging feedback, confirming the strong interest within the network for thematic exchanges dedicated to concrete safeguarding practices and policy tools. More than anything, the meeting once again demonstrated the value of creating spaces where colleagues from across Europe can openly exchange experiences, compare approaches, and collectively reflect on the future of inventorying under the 2003 Convention.
Following the meeting, reflections are already ongoing within the ENFP Network and the Steering Committee on how this work could be further developed in the future, including possible follow-up activities, continued exchanges, and deeper exploration of some of the themes raised during the discussions.
Participants, researchers or others interested in receiving further information about the survey and its results for research or reflection purposes are invited to contact info@enfp-ich.eu. Access to additional information may be shared on a case-by-case basis and subject to the agreement of the persons concerned and participating countries.
