UNESCO intangible heritage definition disadvantages Italy's cultural ranking

The UNESCO definition of intangible cultural heritage, ratified at the Paris Conference, has effectively erased the distinction between countries with rich cultural heritage and those without. The concept includes practices, representations, knowledge, and skills transmitted across generations. However, the broad criteria inflate the number of recognized elements, diluting exclusivity. Italy, which holds the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranks only third in intangible heritage with 61 entries, behind China (91) and Spain (62). The article questions whether traditions like the Serenata or the art of the Pupi can be compared to monumental sites like the Colosseum or the Minaret of Jam. The author argues that the current system penalizes Italy by devaluing its tangible heritage in favor of an inflated list of intangible practices. The criteria for UNESCO listing require that elements be part of community inventories, contribute to visibility of cultural diversity, and have safeguarding measures. The article suggests that the inflation of intangible heritage risks diminishing the value of Italy's unique cultural assets.