Vadi, Valentina --- "ICH and trade" [2018] ELECD 737; in Waelde, Charlotte; Cummings, Catherine; Pavis, Mathilde; Enright, Helena (eds), "Research Handbook on Contemporary Intangible Cultural Heritage" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018) 398

Book Title: Research Handbook on Contemporary Intangible Cultural Heritage

Editor(s): Waelde, Charlotte; Cummings, Catherine; Pavis, Mathilde; Enright, Helena

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN: 9781786434005

Section: Chapter 17

Section Title: ICH and trade

Author(s): Vadi, Valentina

Number of pages: 19

Abstract/Description:

Several intangible cultural heritage controversies have arisen during trade negotiations and have been brought before the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) where states have claimed that regulatory measures affecting their economic interests are in breach of the relevant international trade law provisions. These disputes highlight the emergence of a clash of cultures between global economic governance and the protection of intangible cultural heritage. Has an international economic culture emerged that emphasises productivity and economic development at the expense of international cultural heritage? After a brief overview of the international legal framework protecting intangible cultural heritage at the international law level, this chapter investigates whether, and if so how, the WTO has dealt with intangible cultural heritage. Does the existing legal framework adequately protect intangible cultural heritage vis-à-vis economic globalisation? How does the WTO deal with intangible cultural heritage? Should the WTO DSM take into account the cultural concerns of the affected communities? Or are cultural concerns merely to be conceived as a disguised form of protectionism? What steps can be taken to ensure mutual supportiveness between different legal regimes protecting intangible cultural heritage on the one hand and trade on the other?