Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

A. Cover sheet

A.1.

State Party

Name of State Party

A.2.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

2005-06-29

A.3.

Element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List that is the subject of this report

Name of element

Traditional music of the Tsuur

Inscribed in

2009

A.4.

Reporting period covered by this report

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

Reporting period covered by this report

01-01-2014 - 15-12-2017

A.5.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

A.6.

Executive summary of the report

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

Executive summary of the report

Since inscription of the element “Traditional music of the Tsuur” State Party Mongolia has implemented mid and long-term programs on safeguarding the element to inherit it to future generations by studying and registering the bearers of the heritage, creating an information database and promoting the element. To safeguard the element uppermost the series of work was done to create social environment to support the players of the instrument and the instrument itself, to revive and disseminate the traditions of the heritage to overcome dangers of its vanishing in the region among ethnic group of the Altai Uriankhai tribe in westernmost Mongolia, where it has been originated. As a result the livability of the heritage has increased.
During the reporting cycle of 2014-2017 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Ministry of Education, Culture, Science in 2015-2016, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports since 2016) and Center for Cultural Heritage in cooperation with Association of Hunnu Tsuur players, Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture, Dance and Music College (“Dance and Music Conservatorium” since 2017) have worked with priority of organizing and expanding the formal and informal Tsuur trainings in the capital and rural areas, conducting studies and researches on detection and promotion of the heritage bearers. Including:
- By 72nd Resolution of 2014 from the Mongolian Government in 2014-2017 National Program “Mongol Tsuur” has been successfully implemented. Below mentioned activities were organized in the framework of the National Program:
a) Tsuur International festival, scientific conference and symposium
b) Complex research was done on the music instrument Tsuur and being used in scientific studies
c) The guidebook on learning the music instrument Tsuur was published and disseminated.
d) Bearers of the heritage were included as participants in the international traditional arts festivals organized in Republic of Korea, People’s Republic of China, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan to promote and raise-awareness on the Mongolian tradition of Tsuur.
e) Initiatives of heritage bearers and their projects on crafting and production of the Tsuur instrument were supported
f) Form the Office of the President of Mongolia the Compact Disk of Tsuur player B.Naranbat “Masterpiece of Mongolian Tsuur” was published and disseminated to the libraries, schools and cultural organizations of provinces and city
It was mentioned in the statistics provided from the National Cultural Heritage Rgistration and Information Database of the Cultural Heritage that during 2009-2017 numbers of the Mongolian tradition of Tsuur learners has risen twice. For instance in 2009-2013 the number of practitioners of Tsuur was 90 people, in 2013-2017 that number has risen to 170.

A.7.

Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Ms

Family name

Arslan

Given name

Saruul

Institution/position

Division of Intangible Cultural Heritage Center for Cultural Heritage

Address

Central Palace of Culture B
Sukhbaatar square 3
Ulaanbaatar 210620a
1st khooro
P.B.-269
Ulaanbaatar 210648

Telephone number

+976 99099842; +976 99030405

E-mail address

ichfr@monheritage.mn

Other relevant information

Ms

B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

Since the inscription of this element on the UNESCO List of Urgent Safeguarding of ICH, the public awareness and understanding has increased nationwide. The traditional instrument Tsuur is related to the, and represents the category 2.b “performing arts” of the 2nd Article of the Convention for Safeguarding of the ICH. Also as a part of Mongolian everyday life, traditions and ceremonies the heritage element is related to category 2.c “social practices, rituals and festive events“, of the 2nd Article of the Convention. Although, the mechanism of Tsuur is very simple, it is an instrument that was created and developed by nomadic Mongolians, through hundreds of years. The instrument Tsuur is made from wood-like, jointed stem plants such as brushwood and hawk bit and requires very precise and high skills in making. Tradition of playing the instrument Tsuur was used in customs of conversation with nature in nature’s own language, of worshiping of the nature and the skies, and rain making rituals. Therefore the element also related to the categories 2.d and 2.e of the 2nd Article of the Convention.
Its value is it’s an important part of cultural heritage not only to the bearers, the tribes and the communities who practice this art and produce this musical instrument, but also has very high social and cultural functions that bring certain identity and pride among the communities all over the country.
Also, through the education activities of NGOs done in framework of safeguarding of the “Traditional music of the Tsuur”, publishing of books by academics, making of television shows and short documentaries with involvement of national artists and bearers increases understanding of values of the heritage and its role in the society and culture among general public.
It’s necessary to mention the development of creative industry and promotion of cultural diversity based on the “Traditional music of the Tsuur”. For instance, start of usage of delicate technique of processing a birch wood, white willow or blackwood in the making of the instrument Tsuur, covering it with gullet of a gazelle or sheep to avoid apperance of any cracks has prolonged quality and longevity of the instrument, and this could be considered as a development of the craftsmanship of Tsuur.
“Tradition music of the Tsuur” has become an important element of modern ethnic music and already has occupied its place as traditional instrument of the national traditional music groups. It is now one of instruments of the Mongolian National song and dance academic Ensemble’s orchestra. Also younger generation begin to actively use Tsuur accompanied by other modern musical instruments, renewing and developing the tradition of Tsuur.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Ratification of the UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage gave a possibility to protect and safeguard the heritage that was facing the danger of vanishing.
Traditionally found among members of the Uriankhai ethnic group of the Altai Region, the Tsuur and its traditions were preserved largely mostly by the descendant of the late Paarain Narantsogt of the Tsgaan Tug clan, in Duut soum of Khovd province, in westernmost Mongolia and were in a condition of not being able to spread beyond that frame coming to the situation of disappearing. But Mongolian Government following the guidelines of the UNESCO’s 2003 Convention has included the heritage in the National List of the Heritages in need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2003, furthermore in 2009 the heritage was inscribed in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the important action that gave a strong support in restoring the traditions of the Tsuur and protecting archives and documentations on this heritage.
By inscribing the heritage in the UNESCO’s List the heritage has started to get more attention from people, the numbers of practitioners, learners and researches of the instrument has increased during following years, the knowledge of general public about the instrument and its traditions has risen.
Also, in 2014 the Mongolian Government has decreed the 72nd Resolution to approve a National Safeguarding Plan “Traditional music of the Tsuur”, with aim of the project is to create a legal environment to revitalize, safeguard, study, promote and transmit the Tsuur music, which was implemented within 3 years in 2014-2017.
As a result of the above mentioned activity, the traditions of Tsuur has spread beyond its borders of only one tribe and attracted artists of different regions, started to be practiced officially and unofficially among traditional musicians, students, general public become aware of the instrument itself and traditions related to it. It could be considerd that since the inscription of the “Traditional music of Tsuur” in the UNESCO’s List, viability of the heritage has risen, and dangers of vanishing are passed.
The cooperation with academics and bearers of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China and Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region to exchange knowledge on studying, protection, promotion and transmission of the “Traditional music of the Tsuur” has begun
State Party of Mongolia is actively working with an objective to remove the element “Traditional music of the Tsuur” from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and its transfer to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

During the reporting period of 2014-2017, below mentioned objectives were put to be completed in the framework of the National Safeguarding Plan “Mongolian Tsuur”:
1. To create a legal environment on safeguarding of the Mongolian tradition of the Tsuur;
2. To develop academic research of the Mongolian tradition of the Tsuur;
3. To find most effective way of training and use it in the formal and informal trainings;
4. Support initiatives of the bearers, concerned NGOs, community-based organizations and professionals;
5. Establish registration-information database on bearers of the heritage;
6. Promote the heritage and raise the awareness among general public.
Outcomes:
1. In 2014 the National Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage was amended. The article on promoting the bearers of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its protection was specifically included in the law. Operational Directives on safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was created in the framework of the National law;
2. The “Hunnu Tsuur Union” NGO based on bearers of the heritage in cooperation with the Center for Cultural Heritage and the Institute of Arts and Cultural Research made complex research “Traditional Mongolian music of Tsuur” on safeguarding, studying, promoting, transmitting, training and development of the tradition;
3. The registration-information general-database on the bearers, practitioners and trainees of traditional music of the Tsuur was established;
4. Numbers of trainees of the Tsuur instrument is rising as a result of expanding the formal and informal trainings;
5. The awareness among general public on the Tsuur traditions has risen allowing the creation of the environment for safeguarding and sustainable development of the tradition.
6. The regional and international cooperation on the subject has become more active due to organizations of the international festivals and symposiums on Tsuur and similar musical instruments.
7. Initiatives of the bearers, concerned NGOs, community-based organizations and professionals on promotion and transmission of the Tsuur tradition are actively supported and their involvement in the activities is high.

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

1. In the framework of creating supportive legal environment on safeguarding of the tradition of Mongol Tsuur following activities have been implemented:
- In 2014 the National Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage was renewed. The Article on promoting the bearers of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its protection was specifically included in the law. Operational Directives on safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was created in the framework of the National law. For instance, follwing were aprroved: the Order of the Minister of Education, Culture and Science A151 of 2015.04.30 on “Development of the Operational Directives to identify, register and conduct studies and researches on the ICH bearers”; the 145th Resolution of Mongolian Government of 2016.03.07 on “Procedures of rewarding ICH bearers who have made valuable contribution in promoting, disseminating of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on national and international levels”. Also, following projects are in the process of being approved: “Procedures of rewarding ICH bearers who have made valuable contribution in promotion, dissemination of the Intangible Cultural Heritage”, “Procedures of examination of the ICH”, “Procedures of showing financial support to citizen, or leagal entity engaged in activities on safeguarding and promoting ICH” etc..
2. In the framework of development of Mongolian Tsuur studies, following works were implemented:
- Such studies and researches as “Basic studies of Traditional music of the Tsuur”; “Studies on researches of the Tsuur instrument”; “Studies on the Tsuur music archives and the methodology”; “Traditions and customs related to Tsuur music”; “Studies on in-class-training and apprenticeship-trainings of Tsuur”; “ Studies on inheritors of the Tsuur”; “Comparative studies on Tsuur and similar instruments” were made by “Hunnu Tsuur Union” NGO in close cooperation with Center for Cultural Heritage and the Institute of Arts and Cultural Research. The outcomes of the researches and studies were published and disseminated to general public.
- In 2016 the international festival and symposium “Studies of traditional art of Tsuur and similar musical instruments” was organized involving academics and heritage bearers from Mongolia, Tuva Republic, Kalmyk, Altai Republic of Russian Federation, Khakas, Bashkirstan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Turkey, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The results of the scientific conference were published and disseminated for general public and new generation of researches.
3. In the framework of formal and informal trainings:
- The signing of the Memorandum of understanding between Center for Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports and the Music and Dance College of Mongolia named after S.Gonchigsumlaa (Music and Dance Conservatory since 2017) in the school year of 2013-2014 had great influence to infiltrate the methods of professional classrooms trainings in the traditional apprenticeship training.
- In 2014, the Program “Mongolian Tsuur”, specifically adapted to the college’s features, was developed to be included in the curriculum of the Music and Dance College of Mongolia and four students (T.Baatarkhuu, M.Munkhbat, A.Mungunshagai, M.Unumunkh) chose Tsuur as their additional lessons. All four students who attended lessons of “Mongolian Tsuur” Program have graduated classes with the A rating and have successfully participated in the “First survey in the Central region on Traditional music of the Tsuur” organized on 27th November of 2015. M.Munkhbat was selected as best player.
- In the framework of the “Mongolian Tsuur” Program, during the school year of 2015-2016, 35 students attended the classes.
- Also Mongolian State University of Culture and Arts provides Tsuur and Khoomei lessons taught by bearer Mr. N.Sanjaadorj, since 2014, adapted to the university’s features.
- In 2016 the “Mongolian Tsuur Palace” was opened to with support from the Culture faculty of the Mongolian State University of Culture, to provide apprenticeship training, raise-awareness of Mongolian youth and to promote the heritage.
- The “Hunnu Tsuur Union” NGO organized series of apprenticeship trainings in the capital city and rural areas. The trainings involved: Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet cities; Zavkhan, Bayankhongor, Khovd and Uvs provinces.
- By today the Tsuur apprenticeship training is provided in 6 training centers and in 2 institutions.
- In the framework of the National Safeguarding Plan the training program with guide-book and training compact disc was developed adapted to the curriculum
- Under the auspicies of the governor of Khan-Uul district of the Ulaanbaatar city The Tsuur Music Club started it trainings in the Khan-Uul district’s Cultural center led by tsuur players Mr. B.Naranbat and G.Sanjaadorj. 44 students of elementary schools, from the district, participated in the trainings.
4. In the framework of supporting the Initiatives of the bearers, concerned NGOs, community-based organizations and professionals on promotion and transmission of the Tsuur tradition:
- In July, 2015 in honor of the famous tsuur player Mr. Paarai Narantsogt, in the framework of promoting his works, teaching features, with aim to strengthen the knowledge of tsuur and transmit the heritage to younger generation the “Daarai Natsagdorj of Altai Uriankhai’s First Tsuur Competition in the Western Region” was organized in Khovd province. Altogether 21 trainers and trainees, 5 bands have participated in the competition.
- In November, 2015 “Daarai Natsagdorj of Altai Uriankhai’s First Tsuur Competition in the Central Region” was organized in the Ulaanbaatar city. Altogether 11 trainers and trainees have participated in the competition.
- Form the Office of the President of Mongolia the Compact Disk of Tsuur player B.Naranbat “Masterpiece of Mongolian Tsuur” was published and disseminated to the libraries, schools and cultural organizations of provinces and city
- 2 documentaries, showing traditions and customs related to Tsuur were made and broadcasted through social media.
- Tsuur players N.Sanjaadorj, G.Nyamjantsan and B.Naranbat have participated as delegation from Mongolia, promoting the tradition of Tsuur, in the international festivals of traditional music organized in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Turkey and China.
- With aim to support production of Tsuur, 5.5 million tugrik micro-project, to produce instruments for use in the classrooms, was implemented. The instruments are used by bearers N.Sanjaadorj, G.Nyamjantsan, B.Naranbat for their apprenticeship and school trainings.
5. In the framework of developing the registration-information general-database on the bearers, practitioners and trainees of traditional music of the Tsuur:
- Registration-information database was created on bearers, practitioners and trainees of traditional music of the Tsuur, and has been enriched every year:
Training centers: 6 apprenticeship training centers and 2 classes are functioning for Tsuur trainings.
Craft: 8 people are making Tsuur instruments. Those are N.Buyandelger, B.Naranbat, B.Zagdjav, N.Amartuvshin, N.Sanjaadaorj, T.Erdenebat, B.Buyanbat and G.Nyamjantsan.
Repertory: There are around 40 traditional melodies have been registered in the repertory of the Tsuur music. The younger generation is has started using the instrument for their compositions in accompany with different instruments, enriching the Tsuur repertory.
Bearers and apprentice: By 2017 there are 18 bearers and more than 170 apprentices are registered in the National registration-information database on cultural heritage.
Documentation: By 2017 there are 34 video films, HD recordings of 1200 hours length, 8000 pcs of documentation on traditional art of Tsuur at the National registration-information database on cultural heritage.

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

"Rights and duties of the bearers of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" were defined for the first time in the Article 34 of the National Law on Cultural Heritage Protection. According to the paragraph 34.1.1 of the Article “Bearers of intangible cultural heritage shall have the following rights: “to receive financial support to protect, transmit and recreate the intangible cultural heritage, under the necessary circumstances”, also the bearer undertakes to “teach students and transmit intangible cultural heritage to the next generations; to disseminate and promote intangible cultural heritage; to provide assistance to record information and conduct registration of intangible cultural heritage”.
The bearers of the Intangible cultural heritage element “Traditional music of the Tsuur" show great support and involvement in protecting, transmitting and promoting the heritage through social media.
Following bearers of the heritage play main role in organizing trainings and activities related to the protection, promotion and transmission of the traditional music of the Tsuur:
Apprenticeship trainings: B.Naranbat, A.Baldandorj, E.Baatarjav, N.Damdindorj, N.Buyandelger, B.Zagdjav.
Classroom trainings: G.Nyamjantsan, N.Sanjaadorj
Tsuur instrument crafters: N.Buyandelger, B.Naranbat, B.Zagdjav, N.Amartuvshin, H.Byambajav, N.Sanjaadorj, T.Erdenebat, B.Baatarchuluun.
Bearers B.Naranbat, G.Nyamjantsan and N.Sanjaadorj played major role in developing the Pereodical Report on the Intangible cultural heritage element “Traditional music of the Tsuur”.

B.3.d.

Timetable and budget

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented and the funds that were used for its implementation, identifying the source of funding for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Timetable and budget

It was specified in the Article 41 of the Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage amended in 2014 by the Great Khural of Mongolia that “Activities for the protection of cultural heritage shall be financed by a) the state budgets; b) local budgets; c) assistance, donations and funds provided by Mongolian and foreign citizens, and international organizations and legal entities; d) other resources.”, in the 13.1.13 of Article 13 “to allocate funds in the state annual budget for the activities to promote, transmit, preserve and protect the cultural properties inscribed on the UNESCO's List and submit nomination proposals of cultural heritage for the UNESCO's List;”. Also in the 15.1.1 of the Article 15 “Powers of the Citizens’ Representative Khurals of provinces, the capital city, soums and districts “ of the same law it’s specified “to monitor and approve the necessary budget to develop plans and programmes for implementation, and provide implementation of the legislation concerning the protection of cultural heritage within their territory;”, 16.1.12 of the Article 16 “to search and identify bearers of intangible cultural heritage, and provide publicity, assistance and organize activities of transmission”, and that allows to use the local budget on conservation of the cultural intangible heritage.
Based on the above mentioned Articles in the Law, in 2014-2017, the National Program “Mongolian Tsuur” was financed by the Mongolian Government with amount of 201 million tugrik.
Following the Article 15 of the Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage, series of activities on safeguarding of the Tsuur were financed and organized in the Khovd province.
Also by initiatives and under patronage of the Governor of Khan-Uul district of Ulaanbaatar city the permanent club on teaching of the “Mongolian Tsuur” was founded in the Central cultural palace, the program “Khan-Uul district and Traditional Arts” is being financed and implemented in close cooperation with the APU Co. Ltd. Located in the district.

B.3.e.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

As a result of the above mentioned series of activities on safeguarding the viability of the Traditional Art of the Mongolian Tsuur has largely increased. The following advancements were made in the field of reviving, conserving, safeguarding, teaching, studying and promoting the intangible cultural heritage:
- The amendments in the Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage regarding the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage were made in 2014,
- The legal environment on safeguarding of the heritages, registration and creation of the information database was created and improved,
- The cooperation of Mongolia with UNESCO, Asia-Pacific regional centers of ICH and other international organizations has been increased and certaing results have been achieved. The possibilities of cooperation and experience exchange on safeguarding, transmitting and studying between countries that have similar musical traditions as Tsuur, were created.
- The initiative and participation of the inheritors, individuals, communities, groups and non-governmental organizations in the activities of the state's central administrative body, local cultural organizations in charge of cultural issues, regarding the safeguarding, dissemination and transmission of the ICH has developed and accumulated appropriate experience.
- The media has also increased the aspirations and initiatives to cooperate with the bearers, communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations in the field of dissemination and promotion of the ICH.
- Awareness, urge to learn and promote ICH among general public is increasing.
Since the inscription of the "Mongolian Traditional Music of the Tsuur" in 2009, as a result of the series of actions taken in 2009-2017, by initiatives of the Government of Mongolia, authorities of Khovd and Uvs province, of Khan-Uul district of Ulaanbaatar, relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations, individuals and communities, the element of the Tsuur has overcome the threat of vanishing and gained sustainable viability.
Although the budget planned for the National Program for Protection of Mongolian Traditional Music of the Tsuur has not been sufficient, based on the initiatives, engagement, and cooperation among beares, communities, and non-governmental organizations the planned activities and programs were effectively implemented. Nevertheless, there is a need to further improve the economic and legal environment for the provision of incentive systems, life insurance, social security for heritage bearers.

Arslan

C. Update of the safeguarding measures

C.1.

Updated safeguarding plan

Please provide an update of the safeguarding plan included in the nomination file or in the previous report. In particular provide detailed information as follows:

1. a. What primary objective(s) will be addressed and what concrete results will be expected?
2. b. What are the key activities to be carried out in order to achieve these expected results? Describe the activities in detail and in their best sequence, addressing their feasibility.
3. c. How will the State(s) Party(ies) concerned support the implementation of the updated safeguarding plan?

Updated safeguarding plan

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports has developed the "National Comprehensive Program on Protection of Cultural Heritage 2018-2025" to further safeguard the Mongolian Traditional Music of Tsuur. The program aims to invest in some of the key areas of intangible cultural heritage field, to conduct researches, to organize trainings, to implement projects and to provide a sustainable livelihood. These include:
- Organize the studies on ICH and heritage bearers withal the local history, culture, traditions and conditions.
- Improve the database of registration of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and develop informational activities in accordance with modern technology and make it public.
- Conducting formal and informal apprentice trainings on the ICH
- Create a theoretical and practical training base of the ICH (bearers, cultural specialists and other relevant sectors)
- Support the bearers of the ICH and improve their social values
- Improve the legal environment to include and develop the ICH in the context of the creative industry.
- Training, re-training and specialization of the ICH's experts.
As part of this Comprehensive National Program the priority will be to further improve the economic and legal environment for the provision of incentive systems, life insurance, social security for heritage bearers.
The National Program will reflect the initiatives of non-governmental organizations, individuals, communities, groups and academics.
In the budget of the National Program, the Government of Mongolia has allocated a total of 500 million MNT. It is also necessary to obtain assistance from local, international organizations and national producers to implement projects and programs.
During the 2018-2021 period Mongolia is aiming to transfer the Mongolian traditional music of Tsuur from the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

C.2.

Community participation

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

00147

Community participation

Under the provisions of the Article 34 "Rights and duties of the bearers of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" of the "National Law on Protection of the Cultural Heritage", with initiatives and involvement of heritage bearers B.Naranbat, A.Baldandorj, E.Baatarjav, N.Damdindorj, N.Buyandelger, B.Zagdjav, G.Nyamjantsan, N.Sanjaadorj, the "Hunnu Tsuur Union" NGO is planning to work with aim to sustainably develop, safeguard, transmit and promote the traditions of the Tsuur music and further to transfer the heritage element from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in next 4 years.

C.3.

Institutional context

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

1. a. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
2. b. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

2005-06-29

Institutional context

A. Center of Cultural Heritage (under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports)
Address: Center for Cultural Heritage, Centeral Palace of Culture “B” section, Sukhbaatar sq 3, Jamiyan Street, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
P.O. Box: Sukhbaatar sq 3, 210620a, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Director: G.Enkhbat
Tel: +967-11312735
+976-70110877
Fax: +976-11-312735
E-mail: cch@monheritage.mn
Web: www.monheritage.mn
Head of the Division for the Protection of ICH : A.Saruul
Tel: +976-99030405
E-mail: saku_tuntic@yahoo.com

B. "Hunnuu Tuur Union" NGO
Family name: Buyandelger
Given name: Naranbat
Organization/position: Head of the "Hunnuu Tsuur Union"
Address: A-5-60, 23rd khoroo, Bayanzurkh district
Tel: +976-99208095
Fax: +976-70154576
E-mail: naranbat_tsuur@yahoo.com

Saruul

D. Participation of communities in preparing this report

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

Following the Order of Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports ?A/192 of 2017 the working group for developing the "Periodic report on implementation of the UNESCO Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" and "Periodic report on status of the element inscribed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" was established.
Following people and organizations were included in the working group for developing the report on the "Traditional music of the Tsuur": Center of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports, "Hunnu Tsuur Union" NGO, Tsuur players B.Naranbat, G.Nyamjantsan, N.Sanjaadorj, researchers S.Yundenbat, Ts.Tsendsuren.

Division of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Center for Cultural Heritage

E. Signature on behalf of the State Party

The report should be signed by an official empowered to do so on behalf of the State, and should include his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

Ts.Tsogzolmaa

Title

Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports

Date

30-11-2017

Signature

Upload signed version in PDF

Candidature

1374

Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

Cover sheet

Name of State Party

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

29-06-2005

Name of element

Traditional music of the Tsuur

Inscribed in

2009

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

Reporting period covered by this report

2009 - 2013

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

Executive summary of the report

Tsuur music, a combination of instrumental and vocal performance, is an ancient form of Mongolian music with a unique sound.
Since th Hunnu dynasty, the Uriankhai Mongols of the Altai region in Western Mongolia have related Tsuur music to the spirit of the Altai Mountains, and revered it as a force to ward off evil from a household.
The forty known folk melodies and tunes of the Tsuur repertoire are transmitted by memory and are currently preserved by descendants and apprentices of the ancient nomads, that populated the northern and southern slopes of the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The traditional music of the Tsuur forms an important part of the Uriankhai Mongolian’s relationship with their natural environment and a critical element in assuring their survival within it. It accompanies daily activities and animal herding as well as religious ceremonies and rituals.
Traditionally found among members of the Uriankhai ethnic group of the Altai Region, the Tsuur and its traditions are preserved today largely by the descendant of the late Paarain Narantsogt of the Tsgaan Tug clan, in Duut soum, Khovd province, in westernmost Mongolia.
Many long and short term projects have accomplished in last 4 years in order to identify the ‘Tsuur’ music bearers, register them, study, disseminate and transmit to the next generations. We did several series of works such as restoring ‘Tsuur’ music instrument art and its tradition in Altai Uriankhai tribe where it has originated and to disseminate this art to the other tribe and regions in order to urgent safeguarding the ‘Tsuur’ and its tradition and to create social environment which supports ‘Tsuur’ music and its players. The ‘Tsuur’ art could overcome its danger to vanish and getting stronger to continue exists, as a results of these works.
Bearers, communities and groups’ involvement has a vital responsibility to protect the ‘Tsuur’ music art and these talented people who are the bearers actively working hard to transmit this art for the next generation, disseminate and restore this art at the same time to safeguard the tradition as it was from the beginning. Trainings about transmitting this tradition is conducted by two ways traditional apprenticeship training and classroom training. The trainings of this heritage have conducted in Duut and Jargalant soum in Hovd province, Buyant, Ulgii and Ulaanhus sum in Bayan-Ulgii province, Sumber soum of Gobisumber province, Orkhon province and in the capital city during the report period. These training have led by the famous ‘Tsuur’ player P.Narantsogt’s offspring and his students. There are aroundu, 100 teenagers and young adults who have learnt or leaning how to play this instrument as a result of these trainings. Statistic shows that the number of ‘Tsuur’ players and its trainees have increased 9 times in last four years.
We still need to continue what we are doing and increase the boundaries even there are such good results shown in a work of protecting the ‘Tsuur’ music and its tradition and create sustainability.
Consequently, in January, 2014 the Mongolian Government has decreed a National Safeguarding Plan of the “Traditional music of the Tsuur” and its going to be implemented within 3 years.The aim of the project is to revitalize and safeguard and transmit the Tsuur music.

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Mr

Family name

Jargalsaikhan

Given name

Tsoodol

Institution/position

Head of the ICH devision

Address

Center for Cultural Heritage, Cultural Palace B, Sukhbaatar square 3, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar 210620a, Mongolia

Telephone number

+976-11-312735

Fax number

E-mail address

tsjargalsaikhan@monheritage.mn; ichfr@monheritage.mn

Other relevant information

B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

The art of tsuur music is an important part of cultural heritage to the bearers, the family tradition, the communities who practice this art and produce this musical instrument. It has a very high social and cultural functions that bring certain identity and pride among the communities.
Tsuur is one the Mongolian main musical instruments. When a person play tsuur, his throat and bagpipe’s whistle harmonized and make special timbre which distinguishes it from the rest of the music instruments. It also has a significant difference than other wooden wind instruments. This unrepeatable difference of bagpipe art is very special development of performing art of human kind, not only in Mongolia.
Since the inscription of this element on the UNESCO List of Urgent Safeguarding of ICH, the public awareness and understanding has increased nationwide.
The representation of the tsuur music and its custom are conserved in traditional manner during the activities that are organised for safeguarding and transmitting the traditionel art of tsuur.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Altai Uriankhai is the only tribe which inherited the tradition of bagpipe art among the other tribes. It has noted that the each Uriankhai family had bagpipe at their homes and most of the Uriankhai men used to play bagpipe till the end of last century. Unfortunately this art and heritage came at the edge of vanishing by the end of the twentieth century. The main result was historical dark period which tried to neglect the traditional culture and religion. It treated traditional art and culture as a part of old time and it was government plan to get rid of tradition and art of people.
Last 4 years, the art of ‘Tsuur’ music spread from the bearer community to the regional level where the folk musicians and students play. In order to identify the ‘Tsuur’ music bearers, register them, study, disseminate and transmit to the next generations. We did several series of works such as restoring ‘Tsuur’ music instrument art and its tradition in Altai Uriankhai tribe where it has originated and to disseminate this art to the other tribe and regions in order to urgent safeguarding the ‘Tsuur’ and its tradition and to create social environment which supports ‘Tsuur’ music and its players. Bearers, communities and groups’ involvement has a vital responsibility to protect the ‘Tsuur’ music art and these talented people who are the bearers actively working hard to transmit this art for the next generation, disseminate and restore this art. Trainings about transmitting this tradition is conducted by two ways traditional apprenticeship training and classroom training. Statistic shows that the number of ‘Tsuur’ players and its trainees have increased 9 times in last four years. Its survival capacity and sustainable development are increased, thus may be considered as being far from the danger.
Nevertheless, in January 2014 the Mongolian Government has decreed a National Safeguarding Plan of the “Traditional music of the Tsuur” and its going to be implemented within 3 years. The aim of the project is to revitalize and safeguard and transmit the Tsuur music.
The objectives are to:
• Strengthen the research and establish registration-information database through a field-survey focusing on the current state of traditional music of the Tsuur;
• Improving the viability of the Tsuur by training new generation of performers, while also reviving traditional method of apprenticeship-training;
• Improving the capacity-building of the bearers, concerned NGOs, community-based organizations and professionals by involving in safeguarding measures;
• Raise the awareness among general public through production of media and;
Expected outcomes:
• Database will have created from registration and documentation materials gathered during Filed survey. This database is to be enriched and improved year by year basis even beyond the completion of the Project;
• The traditional apprenticeship method will have restored;
• Through the activities, awareness of the importance and understanding to revitalize and safeguard the element will have raised;
• The Tsuur performers’ skills and talents will have significantly improved, their repertoire enriched and some forgotten tunes and melodies revived;
• Awareness will have increased at the all level

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

Objectives:
-To safeguard and develop this tsuur music art especially in Altaic Urianhai tribe and then to spread to other community and regions.
-To stabilize tsuur music training method/system and supply the follow ups
-To restore method of tsuur music playing, repertory of tsuur music and traditional culture of tsuur music and tsuur related traditions and customs.
-To increase the community and society’s involvement in recovering tsuur music art and create the social environment which supports tsuur players and the tsuur music art.
Results:
- Mongolian tsuur music tradition has restored and certain improvements appeared in the ways of protecting, developing, teaching, studying, researching, disseminating and sustaining the tradition.
-Community and its people’s understanding and awareness improved about tsuur music tradition and its social value has increased dramatically.
- Mongolian tsuur survived the risk of vanishing and good foundation established for tsuur music art to still be an important part of traditional musical instrument and Mongolian traditional intangible cultural heritage.

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

2009-2014 Mongolian Government has implemented successfully a several projects of the "Traditional music of the Tsuur” in the objectives to safeguard, develop, transmit the element to the next generation by training and apprenticeship, emphasize and support the “Tsuur” bearers. During the implementation of these projects relevant state and non-state parties, communities, practitioners have been involved actively and contributed an important role.
Activities
A: Field study and inventorying
- A field survey were undertaken to focus on the current state of Tsuur, its repertoire and associated customs and rituals
B: Safeguarding and Transmission
- The trainings of transmission of the Mongolian ‘Tsuur’ have conducted in Duut and Jargalant soum in Hovd province, Buyant, Ulgii and Ulaanhus sum in Bayan-Ulgii province, Sumber soum of Gobisumber province, Orkhon province and in the capital city between 2009 and 2012. The people who conducted the training were N.Buyandelger, son of famous ‘Tsuur’ player P.Narantsogt, B.Naranbat, the grandson, their relative B.Tseden-Ish, his student N.Sengedorj, N.Damdindorj, kazakh ‘Tsuur’ player A.Enbek and they used traditional apprenticeship training and classroom training methods. There are around 100 teenagers and young adults in nationwide who have learnt or leaning how to play this instrument as a result of these trainings. ‘Tsuur’ music apprenticeship training not only helps students to learn the method to play the ‘Tsuur’ instrument, but also requires students to know how to create ‘Tsuur’ instrument by themselves and gives them practical ‘Tsuur’ making experience.
- “Hunnu Tsuur Union” NGO and “Egshiglen Magnai” music instrument factory started to produce ‘Tsuur’ in a large amount and supplying the growing demand of ‘Tsuur’ music players and learners.
- UNESCO referred the Living Human Treasure program to its member countries. As a beginning of that program in the country, the national list “Talented people who inherited intangible Cultural heritage in high level” has approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in 2010 as their 546th order. The following 5 bearers; N.Buyandelger, B.Naranbat, N.Sengedorj, A.Enbek and A.Baldandorj have registered in that list as a ‘Tsuur’ bearers and it confirms that the heritage can survive and able to develop. The united budget funded these 5 people by 16 200 000 MNT to do apprenticeship program trainings and following supports were given to them.
- The work of making ‘Tsuur’ instrument as a major in professional art university has started in order to stabilize ‘Tsuur’ reputation in a family of Mongolian Traditional musical instruments. For this reason Cultural Heritage Center, Culture and Art University and Ulaanbaatar’s Music and Dance collage signed on cooperation agreement and started to work all together to supply with training materials and instruments, to plan syllabus and to acknowledge the training methods to the teachers who will teach.
- The Cultural Heritage Center published “Mongolian tsuur” DVD lesson and study books for ‘Tsuur’ music trainings. These training facilities were highly demanded among trainers, teacher, ‘Tsuur’ art bearers, music schools and professional art organizations and artists. It also became fruitful study materials to learn general ‘Tsuur’ music methods and traditional methods, to teach and disseminate.
C: Awareness raising, dissemination and promotion
- A book “Mongolian most rare traditional Intangible cultural Heritages” and “Mongolian Traditional Intangible cultural Heritages” published in Mongolian and English language for the dissemination work of traditional ‘Tsuur’ music in local and foreign countries. These books included ‘Tsuur’ instruments and its players photos, introductions and dissemination and research compositions.
- Many speeches related to Mongolian ‘Tsuur’ have presented in Science and Research meetings about the study of traditional art and culture in the country. Also similar speeches presented in “The V Grassland Culture Forum.2009” in Inner Mongolia of China, “Sounds of EURASIA” in Buriad’s Ulan-Ude in Russian Federation and in VII Congress-Festival.
- In 2013, we have organized a conference on "Tsuur music's actual situation and its difficulties" in Ulaanbaatar to discuss pertaining its future protection, development, art of ‘Tsuur’ making and related customs.
- Traditional Art Festival 2011, Oirad’s Art and Culture “Ikh Hogsuu” festival and “Altan Huree” Uriannhai’s yearly art, culture and sport festival which conducted by Urianhai’s History and Culture supporting Union all had bagpipe playing competitions. Many participants participated in these competitions and they were good encouragement to improve the abilities of the ‘Tsuur’ music players and increased their repertories.
- Mongolian National Broadcaster made television program “Golden Heritage” about Urianhai Tsuur music and its player,
- Eagle television made “Tsuur Heritage”, Ekh Oron television made “Urianhai tsuur tradition” and Mongolian National Radio made “Melody of the tsuur music”. All of these programs were good dissemination in the society. These television and radio dissemination programs were made during the report duration and together with previous art works they had big influence on recovering, supporting and creating good environment for ‘Tsuur’ music art development.
- The previous art works are: “Shuudriin Dusal” tele-program, “Hunnu’s wooden tsuur instrument” and “Melody of tsuur music” documentary movies and “Echo of Mountains and Waters” audio CD.

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

The safeguarding measures were elaborated with full participation of the ICH bearers, concerned representatives of relevant NGOs, and their opinions and recommendations were freely been reflected in the projects.
The main activities under this project for safeguarding the epic, conducting research, advertising and transmitting to the younger generation were implemented with full participation of the Tsuur performers and associations established by themselves. These are:
- The relative and offspring of Uriankhai’s Tsagaan Tug clan’s famous tsuur music player Paarai Narantsogt and their students established a community concerned group. This group became the main supporting center to transmit and develop Mongolian tsuur music art and its traditional repertory. This Altaic Urianhai’s tsuur tradition has transmitted well in Paarai Narantsogt’s family who are from the Tsagaan Tug clan of Hovd province’s Duut soum. They are P.Narantsogt’s sons: N.Buyandelger, N.Erdenebaatar, grandsons: B.Naranbat, B.Zagdjav, M.Sukhnasan, B.Nekhjargal, T.Erdenebaatar, B.Munguntsooj, granddaughters: B.Bayartsetseg,B.Battsooj, B.Munkhchimeg, students: N.Sengedorj, Damdinjav, A.Baldandorj and E.Baatarjav. These people are the sole bearers and protecting Mongolian tsuur music's tradition. Also they took the responsibility to develop the tsuur music art with honor and working hard within their strength. “Tsagaan Tug” clan’s tsuur music players are the most active participants to promote it in the society. They have done many disseminations works through art stages, televisions and radios.
- “Hunnu tsuur players’ Union” has been an important part of protecting tsuur music repertory, transmitting, developing and disseminating works. This union consists of the active members of the clan, traditional musical instrument researchers and cultural pioneers.
- Music teacher G.Nyamjantsan, from the music and dance college and music teacher N.Sanjaadorj, from State University of Arts and Culture have included the traditional tsuur music in their educational programs.
- The Cultural Heritage Center published “Mongolian tsuur” DVD lesson and study books for ‘Tsuur’ music trainings. These training facilities were highly demanded among trainers, teacher, ‘Tsuur’ art bearers, music schools and professional art organizations and artists. It also became fruitful study materials to learn general ‘Tsuur’ music methods and traditional methods, to teach and disseminate.
- A book “Mongolian most rare traditional Intangible cultural Heritages” and “Mongolian Traditional Intangible cultural Heritages” published in Mongolian and English language for the dissemination work of traditional ‘Tsuur’ music in local and foreign countries. These books included ‘Tsuur’ instruments and its players photos, introductions and dissemination and research compositions.
- Many speeches related to Mongolian ‘Tsuur’ have presented in Science and Research meetings about the study of traditional art and culture in the country. Also similar speeches presented in “The V Grassland Culture Forum.2009” in Inner Mongolia of China, “Sounds of EURASIA” in Buriad’s Ulan-Ude in Russian Federation and in VII Congress-Festival.
-Traditional Art Festival 2011, Oirad’s Art and Culture “Ikh Hogsuu” festival and “Altan Huree” Uriannhai’s yearly art, culture and sport festival which conducted by Urianhai’s History and Culture supporting Union all had bagpipe playing competitions. Many participants participated in these competitions and they were good encouragement to improve the abilities of the ‘Tsuur’ music players and increased their repertories.

B.3.d.

Timetable and budget

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented and the funds that were used for its implementation, identifying the source of funding for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Timetable and budget

Name of activity - Implementing body – Timeline - Fund(USD)
1. To hold “Ceremony to take Certificate of the Traditional music of the Tsuur” and photo exhibition, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, NatCom, Center for Cultural Heritage,
“Hunnu Tsuur players’ Union” - 2010; USD 1.500
2. To organize Western region Workshop (apprenticeship and classroom trainings), Center for Cultural Heritage, “Hunnu Tsuur players’ Union” - 2010-2012 ; USD 4.000
3. To organize Central region Workshop (apprenticeship and classroom trainings), Center for Cultural Heritage, “Hunnu Tsuur players’ Union” - 2010-2012 ; USD 4.000
4. The work of making ‘Tsuur’ instrument as an optional major in Professional Art University; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cultural Heritage Center, Culture and Art University and Ulaanbaatar’s Music and Dance collage – 2012; USD 6.000
5. Creation of a registration-information database at local and national level, Center for Cultural Heritage, Local Government Administrations - 2009-2011; USD 4.500
6. To publish DVD lessons, study books for Tsuur music trainings; Center for Cultural Heritage, “Tsagaan Tug” clan’s Tsuur players - 2010-2011; USD 6.500
7.To produce a serial documentaries and media production on the customs and rituals related to the Tsuur aims to further raise the awareness; Center for Cultural Heritage, “Tsagaan Tug” clan’s Tsuur players, “Hunnu Tsuur players’ Union” - 2010-2012; USD 9.500
8. To conduct scientific meeting on the “Traditional music of the Tsuur”: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, NatCom, Center for Cultural Heritage – 2011; USD5.000
9. To deepen the study and researches on the “Traditional music of the Tsuur”: Center for Cultural Heritage, “Hunnu Tsuur players’ Union” - 2010-2014; USD 4.800
TOTAL USD45.800

B.3.e

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Tsuur music’s ability to coexistance improved in the result of the series of tsuur music safeguarding activities which are mentioned above. We accomplished to restore the traditional Mongolian tsuur music which includes tradition of playing the tsuur, developing, training, studing, promoting, and providing in sustainable framework.
The main result was historical dark period which tried to neglect the traditional culture and religion. It treated traditional art and culture as a part of old time and it was government plan to get rid of tradition and art of people.
In order to identify the ‘Tsuur’ music bearers, register them, study, disseminate and transmit to the next generations Mongolian tsuur music tradition has restored and certain improvements appeared in the ways of protecting, developing, teaching, studying, researching, disseminating and sustaining the tradition. Community and its people’s understanding and awareness improved about tsuur music tradition and its social value has increased dramatically.
Mongolian tsuur survived the risk of vanishing and good foundation established for tsuur music art to still be an important part of traditional musical instrument and Mongolian traditional intangible cultural heritage.
We are working on to combine traditional "apprenticeship training" method with modern teaching principles and need to find effective teaching structure for formal and informal training systems in order to inherit the bagpipe to the next generations. Art of tsuur has spread well and developed out from Altai Mountain and Uriankhai tribe`s area and number of tsuur players has increased. Also it is not sufficient to focus on increasing the number of players who know how to make a sound of tsuur in order to safeguarding the Mongolian traditional tsuur music.
But we didn’t have not enough budget to accomplish the activities that we planned. We need to develop good legal and financial environment in order to guarantee the life of bearers and the need of setting good motivation system.
We couldn’t accpomlish the following two plans: Organizing Mongolian traditional Tsuur music Festival and Reporting Performance of the tsuur music trainings. So we postponed to accomplish them in 2014. Also we don’t have enough human resource to conduct all the trainings. Recovering the tradition of wooden tsuur requires long time and effort. Because playing tsuur demands dual action of vocal cords and extraordinary technique. Therefore not everybody learns playing tsuur as well as they need rehearsals with teacher`s instruction and hard studying.
The art of playing Mongolian tsuur is a wide concept which requires to acquire the richest repertory imagination`s developed by bearers to heirs of generations. Currently there are around 40 folk pieces of Mongol Altaic Uriankhai tribe`s inherited repertory notified they represent nature, mountains, water draws, animal sound, relationship between humankind and nature, human feelings. Those tunes transmitted by hearing and memory through generations instead of music notes, which means it is in a danger of vanishing with the players who practice.
As time goes by the traditional tsuur is coming closer to the edge of vanishing and we insure that the safeguarding work of transmission to the next generation, studying and spreading will continue sustainably.

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

Community participation

Uriankhai’s “Tsagaan Tug” clan’s traditional tsuur music player P.Narantsogt’s students and offspring had biggest roles in the task of safeguarding the Tsuur music tradition and heritage. They are P.Narantsogt’s sons: N.Buyandelger, N.Erdenebaatar, grandsons: B.Naranbat, B.Zagdjav, M.Sukhnasan, B.Nekhjargal, T.Erdenebaatar, B.Munguntsooj, granddaughters: B.Bayartsetseg,B.Battsooj, B.Munkhchimeg, students: N.Sengedorj, Damdinjav, A.Baldandorj and E.Baatarjav. These people are the sole bearers and protecting Mongolian tsuur music's tradition. This group, community of bearers have 15 active members and the group has both elder and young members. They conducted trainings using the traditional apprenticeship training and classroom training method. Besides, they contributed in development of the training and dissemination activities such as a guidebook, DVD, CD. Also were actively involved in the activities in order to safeguard, protect, restore, develop, disseminate, transmit, inherit, teach and promote it through media, publication and radio.
Safeguarding the tradition and heritage of tsuur music is very important and matter of reputation affecting responsibility for the members of “Tsagaan Tug” clan. Also there's few craftsmen who makes tsuur musical instrument and teenagers who are learning to play tsuur music joined the community and it guarantees that the art of traditional tsuur music’s development in the future. These bearers are specialized by their heritage Altaic Urianhai’s tsuur playing method, traditions, repertory and tsuur musical instrument hand making techniques in the same place where this art is originated.

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

1. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
2. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

Institutional context

1. Ms Ts.Tsendsuren
Head of the Cultural Heritage Departement,
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Government building X, Place Barilgachid, Chingeltei District,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tel: +976-9312-4367
Fax: +976-11-310466
email: tsendsuren0525@yahoo.com
Department is responsible for the method and planning of safeguarding the cultural heritage
2. Cultural Heritage Center
This is a professional and certificated organization and its ICH section established in 2008 in order to protect both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Organization works in worldwide to safeguard and protect documents and videos, research on ICH bearers, inventorying transmission program for future generations and central archive for registration and information.
Address: Mongolia, 21 06 20 a, Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar district, Sukhbaatar square 3, Jamiyang’s street, B section of Central Cultural palace
POBox: Ulaanbaatar 210628, Mongolia
Director: G.Enkhbat
Tel Phone: + 976-11-312-735
+ 976-70110877
Fax: + 976-11-312735
E-mail: enkhbat@mongolheritage.mn
Web: www.monheritage.mn
Head of ICH division: Mr S.Yundenbat
Tel: + 976-88000239.
E-mail: yundenbat@monheritage.mn
3.“Hunnu tsuur players union” NGO
Headman: B.Naranbat
Address: Bayanzurkh district, 23th subdistrict , School А-5-60
Tel: + 976-9490 0904
+ 976-9924 2363
Fax: 976-7015 4576
E-mail: baldaa_04@monheritage.mn

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparation of this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

The following bearers, groups and NGOs sent their reports and their representatives and community has actively involved in this report. They are:
The relative and offspring of Urianhai’s Tsagaan Tug clan, Hovd Province, Duut soum’s famous traditional tsuur music player Paarai Narantsogt and their students’ community concerned group, “Hunnu tsuur players’ Union”, Oirad’s art and culture “Ikh Hogsuu” movement, “Union to support Uriankhai’s history and culture”.
In March 2012 the Government have established a commission to work on the national activity reports for the different measures taking by Mongolia to safeguard and protect the elements inscribed on UNESCO List of Urgent Safeguarding of ICH. This commission is represented by governmental and non governmental organizations, community, practitioners, bearers and individuals. Above mentioned members of the commission were approved. And during the process of preparation of this report, the community, practitioners and individuals have assisted and give information about their contribution to the activity depending their field and some community and association have sent an written report of their local activity.

C. Signature on behalf of the state party

The report should conclude with the original signature of the official empowered to sign it on behalf of the State, together with his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

M.Tumenjargal

Title

Vice- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Date

30-01-2014

Signature

Candidature

0982