Cyprus announces candidacy for registration of Commandaria on UNESCO list

Cyprus has announced its candidacy to register Commandaria Wine in UNESCO's International List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to an official Deputy Ministry of Culture announcement.

The announcement was posted on the relevant UNESCO website on 3 October, together with the nomination file and is expected to be reviewed within 2025.

In its announcement, circulated by PIO, the Deputy Ministry congratulates the Cyprus National UNESCO Committee and expresses gratitude for the cooperation and efforts regarding the entire preparation and submission of the nomination file, with special thanks to the experts who worked for its preparation.

The Deputy Ministry points out at the same time that the contribution of the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment was equally important, as well as the participation of the community leaders, winegrowers, winemakers and residents of the fourteen Commandaria Villages for the preparation of the file.

As noted, Cyprus has already registered six other elements in the UNESCO International List of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika in 2009, Tsiattista poetic duelling in 2011, Mediterranean Diet in 2013, Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques in 2018, Byzantine chant in 2019 and Midwifery in 2023.

According to the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the National List currently includes 65 elements of the country's heritage and is expanding every year.

Furthermore, the Deputy Ministry has prioritised the strengthening of cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and UNESCO, but also the more active involvement of Cyprus in matters of protection and preservation of world heritage.

In particular, as emphasised, among the main goals for the coming years is the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in elected positions in Intergovernmental Committees and UNESCO working groups.

(Source: CNA)