فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
During a public session in the House of Representatives on Monday, December 9, 2024, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized that the protection of Morocco’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is a national priority that requires collective efforts between the government and civil society. He stated that cultural heritage reflects national identity and is an integral part of Morocco’s sovereignty.
Bensaid referred to the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and countering illegal attempts to appropriate it. The Minister noted that, thanks to coordination between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and civil society, Morocco successfully thwarted an attempt to register the Moroccan caftan under the name of a foreign country at a UNESCO meeting on intangible cultural heritage.
He explained that Morocco has successfully registered 13 elements of intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO list, the most recent being the “Malhoun” music tradition, and that the Moroccan caftan will be registered in 2025. He also mentioned that the government had ratified Bill 22-32, related to the protection of heritage, which strengthens the legal framework to prevent the illegal exploitation of cultural heritage.
Bensaid stressed the importance of raising public awareness about cultural heritage through initiatives such as Heritage Month, cultural events, and the use of social media to promote Morocco’s rich heritage.
Regarding international relations, Bensaid revealed that there is intensive cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to legally strengthen the protection of Moroccan heritage. He affirmed that this cooperation, alongside the strong partnership with UNESCO, reflects Morocco’s significant position in the international cultural scene, thanks to the vision of His Majesty the King.
In conclusion, Bensaid called on Parliament to consider new advocacy mechanisms within international parliamentary bodies to protect Moroccan cultural heritage. He emphasized that the fight against attempts to appropriate cultural heritage is a shared responsibility for all Moroccans, both within the country and abroad, requiring continuous efforts free from any political disputes.
He also pointed out that Morocco remains committed to passing this cultural legacy on to future generations while maintaining its credibility and leadership in the field of cultural heritage protection, despite the challenges and failed attempts to diminish its influence.
source : fesnews media
