The event was organized jointly by the teams of the projects “Policies for the Safeguarding and Socialization of (Intangible and Movable) Cultural Heritage” and “Policies for the Safeguarding and Promotion of Immovable Cultural Properties of Local Importance in Bulgaria. Ethnological Analysis on the Examples of the Municipalities of Balchik, Kavarna, Garmen and Sandanski” (July 2021-July 2023) within the framework of the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 – Building and Development of the Centre of Excellence “HERITAGE BG” (Activity B) and the scientifically applied seminar “Research Methods in Ethnology and Anthropology” of the Section “Balkan Ethnology” at IEFSEM – BAS.

The lecture on “Contemporary methods for the assessment of intangible cultural heritage elements”, delivered by Corr. Mem. Prof. DSc Mila Santova, presented basic principles and methods for the evaluation of artefacts and elements of cultural heritage. The difference in the approaches for this assessment was outlined concerning the normative basis which was specific for both types of heritage as well as the ways in which they were constituted as such. Examples of good practice were presented. Possible problems that might arise in preparing for inscription of elements and artefacts on the various UNESCO lists were also discussed. The issue of synergy of the different conventions for better safeguarding of artefacts and elements was addressed.

Scientists from the two project teams discussed the methodological challenges they faced and possible solutions to overcome them were proposed in the lecture.