Italy (IT);

The text first provides a framework about the contribution of Italy in UNESCO, its internal coordination also through the National Commission, and the country’s position during the negotiations held for the approval of the 2003 Convention. Afterwards, the chapter addresses its analyses on the protection of the intangible heritage according to the Italian Constitution, the Code of Cultural Heritage and Landscape and a number of legal instruments adopted at the regional level to identify, support and promote the ICH. Finally, a description of the ICH inscribed by the country on the Representative List is developed, both at the national and transnational level, along with a specific investigation about risks and opportunities for the Italian elements recognized by UNESCO, as related to their domain, their representative communities and the intellectual property rights as safeguarding measures.