OWHC Participants Arrive In Bali

Denpasar (Antara Bali)- Foreign participants of a regional meeting of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWCH) for Asia and the Pacific, have begun to arrive in Bali for the meeting to be held in Sanur, from August 7 to 10, 2016.

Bali was selected to host the meeting because its location was strategic, Deputy Mayor of Gyeongju (South Korea) Sang-Wook said here, Sunday.

The meeting will discuss cultural preservation efforts as well as challenges facing heritage cities in Asia and the Pacific, he said.

Director General of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center for Asia and the Pacific (ICHCAP) Huh Kwon said every regional administration has responsibility to preserve culture by involving the younger generation.

Mayor of Denpasar Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra said the participation of the younger generation in heritage city preservation is crucial to response to the global challenge.

Denpasar has established an association of Culture Preserving Youths since five years ago, aimed at introducing culture to the younger generation at the earliest age as possible, according to the mayor.

Representatives of 41 heritage city networks from nine countries in Asia and the Pacific are to participate in the meeting organized in cooperation with South Korea.

A Denpasar Declaration is expected to be issued at the end of the meeting, he remarked.

The declaration will call for the strengthening of world heritage city networks to support the economy and development of heritage cities.

On the sidelines of the meeting, there will be a cultural performance and a photo and painting exhibition.

Three Balinese dances that were inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in December 2015, will be performed in the cultural event.

These three genres of traditional Balinese dance are sacred, semi-sacred, and that meant for enjoyment by communities at large.

Traditional Balinese dance forms are performed by men and women dancers dressed in traditional costumes comprising brightly colored clothes painted with gold floral and faunal motifs, with gold-leafed and ornate accessories.

The dance forms are inspired by nature and symbolize specific traditions, customs, and religious values.  (WDY)