“Experts and Professionals”: Intangible Cultural Heritage Custodians and Natural Resource Management in Poland and Canada

Abstract

Intangible cultural heritage custodians play a main role in activities that deal with safeguarding of own cultural elements, including natural resources. These experts are knowledgeable about resource-use and sustainability, and make decisions based on their cultural values and familiarity of the area. However, these community experts rarely receive the same recognition and acknowledgement as ‘professional’ experts. Two case studies, one of Polish beekeepers and another of Anishinaabeg (Indigenous) harvesters in Canada, show how intangible cultural heritage can be used to strengthen local decision-making and reinforce sustainable livelihoods. Because intangible cultural heritage empowers communities, the framework may not only assist local experts in obtaining the recognition they deserve, but can also foster a better working relationship between States and communities in the area of natural resource management.