UNESCO in Action Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean

UNESCO in ACtion Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean

UNESCO: Building Peace in the minds of men and women Since its creation by the decision adopted by the Third UNESCO General Conference held in Beirut in 1948, the UNESCO Office in Havana has implemented diverse programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean in the five areas of competence of the Organization, namely, education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.

Seeking to directly address the countries’ development priorities and contribute to the achievement of the Organization’s goals, the Office implements its programmes and activities in close coordination with the National Commissions for UNESCO and the corresponding governmental agencies, numerous regional, national, local and non-governmental institutions, as well as the existing coordination mechanisms in the United Nations System.

This booklet summarizes actions that reflect the diversity and outreach of the projects undertaken by the Office, actions that also illustrate the institution’s basic functions as the Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean, as the Cluster Office for the Latin Caribbean (Aruba, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti), and as UNESCO’s representation before the governments of Aruba, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Forum of Ministers of Culture and Officials in Charge of 1 Cultural Policies of Latin America and the Caribbean

Meetings Held Founded at the First Meeting of Ministers of Brazil Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean, held in 1989 Brazil in 1989, the Forum is the oldest of its type and Argentina constitutes a unique space for reflection for the highest 1990 government authorities in the field of culture in the United Mexican region, as it is the only platform in the area where all States Member States converge. Since its first meeting, the 1990 Forum has counted with the support and collaboration Cuba 1991 of the Office, thus becoming one of the Organization’s Venezuela main counterparts for regional cooperation and the 1992 promotion of its conventions, priorities and main lines Chile of action. 1993 Trinidad and Tobago 1994 Nicaragua 1996 Colombia 1997 Barbados In accordance with the agreements of the 18th 1998 Forum, Suriname (in the picture), the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Cuba will be the Haiti venues for the 19th, 20th and 21st meetings, in 1999 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Dominican The Forum held its 18th edition in Republic 2001 July 2011 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, in the Ecuador Plurinational State of Bolivia. Within the 2002 framework of the meeting, debates Venezuela were held on cultures and the processes 2005 Since 1999, the Office also facilitates, coordinates of change in Latin America and the Trinidad and finances the Forum’s Technical Secretariat, as well and Tobago Caribbean; cultural identity, intercultur- as the “Portal of Culture of Latin America and the 2007 ality and cultural management towards Caribbean”, the Forum’s longest-running project. The Argentina regional integration; the Culture of Portal, available online in Spanish and English (www. 2009 Peace, Productive Culture; “The Culture Ecuador unesco.lacult.org), has an extensive database with more 2010 of Living Well/Wellbeing”, the Qhapaq than 100,000 entries on the cultural activities of the Ñan, the Regional Project for Cultural Bolivia Member States in the region. 2011 Heritage; and South-South Cooperation. Promotion of International Conventions 2 in the Field of Culture

The Office implements various projects and activi- • Producing an audiovisual ties of regional scope in order to promote the stan- video clip on the dard-setting instruments adopted by the Organization Convention made by The in the field of culture. Accordingly, in respect of the International Film and 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of Television School of San the Diversity of Cultural Expressions the following ac- Antonio de los Baños tions are particularly noteworthy: (Cuba). • Supporting the Travelling • Holding the Encounter Caribbean Film Showcase of Filmmakers from that, through its three Africa, the Caribbean editions and the Special and their Diasporas, Film Showcase on Haiti, Havana, September 2011. facilitated the distribution of 133 titles of Caribbean Among the outstanding ac- authorship to all countries in tions supported by the Office the region. in order to promote the 2003 • Launching in the Convention for the Safe Dominican Republic the KIT guarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is the Diversidades: the creativity strategy for the Training of Trainers in Latin America game, an educational and the Caribbean –with a view to strengthening the awareness-raising tool for States Parties’ capacities for an efficient use of this young people standard-setting instru- between 12 and 16 years of age based ment–, and, as part of it, on the values and principles inspiring the holding of the first this convention; and hosting a regional workshop in workshop to train teachers in its use. Havana on March 2011. • Advising the New Latin American The translation of the Cinema Foundation (FNCLA) on the Intangible Heritage Kit into implementation of the Study on the Aymara and Guarani, and experiences of films and its publication online at audiovisual works made by the the Portal of Culture community in Latin America and (www.unesco.lacult.cu), the Caribbean: development also form part of the con- prospects, a project of regional scope tributions made by the benefited by the 2005 Convention Fund. Posters exhibit for Cultural Diversity, Havana, 2007. Office, with the support of the Spanish Agency of • National consultancy meetings in Colombia and the International Cooperation for Development (AECID), to Dominican Republic with the assistance of experts foster linguistic diversity and the safeguarding of the on legal issues and on underwater archaeology. intangible cultural heritage in the region. • Two subregional meetings, one for Mexico and Central America, held in Cozumel (Mexico) with the participation of 23 specialists from 14 countries; and the other for the Caribbean, held in Port Royal (Jamaica) with the presence of 12 representatives from the Member States in the area. • Specialisation course on the management of underwater cultural heritage and an introduction to underwater archaeology in Campeche (Mexico). • International conference and photographic exhibit in Colonia de Sacramento (Uruguay), as part of the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the 2001 Convention.

Participants in the specialisation course on the management of underwater cultural heritage and an introduction to underwater The 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the archaeology, Campeche, Mexico,2011. World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which has 130 sites Additionally, various actions have been developed in in the region inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage collaboration with the UNESCO offices in Kingston, List, receives particular attention from the Office through Mexico, Montevideo and San Jose, seeking to promote the Caribbean Capacity Building Programme (CCBP), the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater which, in light of its importance, is separately dealt with Cultural Heritage in the region. For example: in this booklet.

Historical Centre of Old Havana, World Heritage Site. The Caribbean Capacity Building Programme 3 (CCBP)

Cupula that remained hidden behind a false ceiling, and is being restored as part of the general renovation of the building.

The project Heritage Recovery and Cultural Development in Havana: Palacio del Segundo Cabo, primarily designed to restore this flagship building located in the heart of Old Havana, is to be highlighted as an example of inter-insti- tutional cooperation for the rehabilita- tion of a World Heritage site. This project, the first of its type to be jointly carried out by the European Union and UNESCO in the country, also seeks to strengthen cooperation between Cuba and the European Union in the fields of The Pitons, Saint Lucia. culture and heritage, since, once the restoration of this 18th century building is completed, it is expected to house Organized by the Office in coordination with the a state-of-the-art cultural centre aimed at promoting inter- UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the UNESCO offices cultural dialogue and its interpretation among different in Kingston and Port-au-Prince, and as a follow-up to the regions of the world. 2004 periodic report on the state of the world heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean, the CCBP seeks to strengthen the capacity to manage and protect the valuable heritage in the Caribbean, as well as to contribute to the development of national policies oriented to this end in a subregion treasuring 21 World Heritage sites. The six thematic manuals that serve as the basis for this programme –available at www.unesco.org.cu and www. whc.unesco.org– address issues of major relevance to the sustainable management of cultural and natural heritage in the Caribbean, such as the application of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Caribbean Capacity Building Programme (CCBP) Chronology Cultural and Natural Heritage, the management of tourism in heritage sites, the management of risk prepared- 2004 ness, the management of cultural landscapes, and the ›› February. Conference for the ›› December. Workshop to management of historic centres and of the natural development of an action consider extending CCBP plan for the Caribbean, didactic tools to MERCOSUR, heritage. Castries, St. Lucia. Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the courses and workshops given to date in collabo- ›› May. Structure for the ›› Publication of CCBP modules implementation of an action 1 to 5 in Spanish, English and ration with national heritage institutions, universities and a plan for the Caribbean, French. wide range of experts from the region, more than 200 Kingston, Jamaica. ›› November. Survey on the 2009 specialists from government and non-governmental or- training needs of the ›› October. Workshop on ganizations from more than 16 countries in the Caribbean Caribbean, conducted by two CCBP Module 4: Management experts from Jamaica. of cultural landscapes, Havana, Cuba. 2005 ›› December. Workshop on November. ›› Meeting of CCBP Module 3: Management Experts on Cultural of risk preparedness, jointly Landscapes of the Caribbean, organized with UNESCO Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Montevideo for MERCOSUR; the result of adapting and 2006 extending CCBP didactic tools ›› May. Meeting of Experts on to other regions, Montevideo, Outstanding Universal Value, Uruguay. Authenticity and Integrity in the Caribbean, Georgetown, 2010 Barbados. ›› September. Workshop on august. ›› Workshop on the CCBP Module 1: Caribbean World Heritage Convention Subregional Workshop for the and tentative lists, Port of implementation of the World Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Heritage Convention, Havana, Cuba. 2007 ›› November. Workshop on ›› March. Meeting of Experts CCBP Module 2: “Role of on the Caribbean Capacity- tourism in the conservation of Building Programme (CCBP), the colonial city of Santo Havana, Cuba. Domingo, as part of the ›› July. Workshop on CCBP application of the World Module 1: Field mission Heritage Convention in the and workshop on the Caribbean”, Santo Domingo, conservation of the La Isabela Dominican Republic. Historical and Archaeological Park, Dominican Republic. 2011 ›› Training of youths and ›› March. Course on the community leaders on the Caribbean Heritage (CCBP management, conservation Modules 1 and 5), organized and development of by the University of the sustainable tourism at the Netherlands Antilles (UNA), World Heritage site Morne Willemstad, Curaçao. Trois Pitons, National Park, ›› July. Publication of CCBP Dominica. Module 6: Management of natural heritage, Havana, have been trained. In 2011, the CCBP has begun a new 2008 Cuba. stage in view of the growing interest shown by academic ›› June . Workshop on CCBP ›› July. Workshop on CCBP Module 3: First workshop on institutions to include CCBP courses in their curricula. The Module 6: Natural heritage risk reduction for the cultural management, July, Havana, CCBP is implemented through the generous contribution heritage in the Caribbean, Cuba. Havana, Cuba. of The Netherlands. Development of national networks of biosphere 4 reserves in Cuba and the Dominican Republic

In the framework of the Emerald Hummingbird, Dominican Republic. Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme this project is designed to strengthen the national plans for sustainable development based on the ratio- nal use of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity and the associated ecosystems. The polymita, land snail, endemic to In Cuba, where there are six Eastern Cuba. biosphere reserves –the Guana hacabibes Peninsula, the Rosario Mountain Range, Buenavista, the Zapata Swampland, Baconao and Cuchi The Biological Corridor of the Caribbean is used by numerous migratory birds. llas del Toa–, this activity is carried out in coordination with the Cuban MAB Committee and the National concerns itself with the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Centre for Protected Areas (CNAP, Spanish acronym). Biosphere Reserve, the only one in the country, of signifi- Among the significant results are the reassessment of cant interest in view of the endemic nature of its excep- traditional farming tional plant and animal species at a regional and world methods through level. This reserve constitutes the main biological enclave which plant and vege- of the Dominican Republic’s participation in the Biological table varieties of high Corridor of the Caribbean, an initiative in which Cuba, the nutritional value that Dominican Republic and Haiti participate, with the recent were about to disap- incorporation of Puerto Rico. pear have been pre- served; the awareness- Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. raising and training of decision makers that facilitated adequate responses to the need to The almiqui from Hispaniola, a apply urgent measures species in danger of extinction. to safeguard biodiversity; and the identification and recording of measures to protect persons, products and animals in case of disasters. Within the framework of this action, the Office also supports the strengthening of the National MAB Committee in the Dominican Republic, an entity that 5 Education for All

The Office implements various actions in Aruba, and Peru, which will establish a system of useful recom- Cuba and the Dominican Republic striving to contrib- mendations for decision-making on possible transfor- ute to the global commitment of achieving quality mations in curriculum design linked to teacher training education for all children, youths and adults on the in these countries; as well as the Seminar The school planet. informs itself, reflects and grows (January 2010, Considering that good teachers are essential to im- Dominican Republic), a forum that assessed the results prove the quality of education at all levels, the Office obtained in the Second Regional Comparative and has provided support for important activities, such as Explanatory Study on the Quality of Education the comparative study on the training of educators at (SERCE), conducted by UNESCO. the basic and secondary levels of education in No less relevant is the institution’s active and sys- Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic tematic participation in the international congresses PEDAGOGIA and UNIVERSIDAD, the two most important events in the field of education held in Cuba. Enhancing the capacity to plan, put into practice and manage programmes providing attention and education in early childhood also constitutes an objective of vital importance in the achievement of quality education for all. Based on this, the Office has collaborated, among other actions, in making a diagnosis of the attention given to early childhood in the Dominican Republic, a study headed by the National Council for the Attention of Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI,

May 2011 in Santo Domingo with more than 350 aca- demics and specialists in education from Aruba, Costa Rica, Cuba, the United States and the host country. The Seminar –which has become the most important forum in the educational sector organized by the Office together with the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic and with the support of presti- Spanish acronym), together with the gious national and interna- Ministry of Education in that country, tional institutions– is aimed UNESCO and UNICEF, which seeks to at facilitating the exchange identify the main challenges involved of knowledge, experiences in the integrated development of girls and good practices among and boys from 0 to 5 years of age in participants, providing a this Caribbean nation, as a necessary space where decision mak- step to sustain the formulation of pub- ers and experts may discuss lic policies in favour of this age group. these issues, in addition to Under the slogan “For a better stimulating the national and world with education for all without exclusion”, the 3rd subregional dialogue on inclusive policies and practic- Subregional Seminar on Education “Factors favour es that promote the quality of education among the ing the quality of an inclusive education”, was held in countries in the region. The Training 6 of Journalists

An adequate development of the mass media presup- poses the existence of professional human resources with the capacity required to aptly address important issues on the public agenda through the different media. The key role of communication in raising citizen awareness, in light of the challenges and issues facing the world today, may be ef- fectively fulfilled to the extent that professionals in the field have access to the training they need. Within this framework, the Office has organized since 2008 the following workshops for the training of more than 500 2011 journalists from 25 countries in the region: International Diploma Course “Means to Communicate Heritage”, Historical Centre of Old Havana, Havana, Cuba. 40 participants from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Participants in the International Diploma Course Ecuador and Mexico. “Means to Communicate Heritage”, Havana. 2010 Regional Seminar “Journalism, Environment and Development”, Havana, Cuba. 35 journalists from Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Paraguay. Regional Seminar “Promoting best journalistic practices in the Internet era: ethics, challenges and innovation”, Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 80 journalists and students from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, and the United States; including the direc- The UNESCO Associated tors of the five UNESCO Chairs on Communication in the region. 7 Schools Project Online Workshop “New technologies for ‘other’ news”, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Network and the UNESCO 62 journalists from Colombia, Chairs in Cuba and the Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru and Dominican Republic Venezuela. 2009 Since its creation in 1953, the UNESCO Associated “Changing the outlook”: regional workshop to raise Schools Project Network (ASPnet) has had the over- gender awareness through reaching aim to promote peace, tolerance and inter- the mass media, Havana, national understanding from the very learning pro- Cuba. 60 journalists from Argentina, cesses of children in educational institutions. This Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican network, coordinated by the Cuban National Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Commission for UNESCO (CNCU) and the UNESCO Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico Dominican National Commission for UNESCO (DNCU) and Venezuela. presently includes 76 schools in Cuba and 56 schools Workshop for Journalists “For a change of attitude good in- tentions are not enough: good practices in elaborating news on HIV and AIDS”, Havana, Cuba. 60 journalists from Colombia, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Workshop “Press and Heritage”, Villa Ocampo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 35 experts on cultural heritage and journalists from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Paraguay and Uruguay. National workshop on the press coverage of hurricanes in Cuba: good practices in 2008, Pinar del Rio, Cuba. 30 journalists from throughout the country. 2008 Regional Seminar on Scientific Journalism, Havana, Cuba. 50 journalists from Argentina, Director of UNESCO Havana speaks with a student about one of the projects developed by a UNESCO Associated School in Cuba. Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic , Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, in the Dominican Republic of different types and edu- and Venezuela. cational levels distributed in all the provinces in both Regional workshop on the press coverage of hurricanes in the countries. Caribbean, Havana, Cuba. The Office systematically supports the work of the 60 journalists and communicators from Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Saint Lucia, and Saint Network, promoting particularly the implementation Vincent and the Grenadines. of national and international projects in its schools, such as: World Heritage in Young Hands, The Slave This is evidenced by the or- UNESCO Chairs Route, Sandwatch, HIV and AIDS Prevention, Feeding ganization of a series of tele- Minds, Fighting Hunger and The School Newsletter. In Cuba vision programmes entitled Special mention should be made of the project Risk ›› Universit y The Cuban ethnos: an out management (1993), prevention and education in emergency situations University of Havana. look from the cultural caused by natural disasters in the islands of the ›› Information heritage, prepared by the Caribbean and its most praiseworthy result: the draw- management in UNESCO Chair on Culture organizations (1993), ing of risk maps in all the Network’s institutions in University of Havana, and Development, a space Cuba as an educational tool to prevent and reduce Cuba, and University dedicated to the presence of of Murcia, Spain. risks at schools, in homes and neighbouring commu- ›› Pedagogical the African legacy in the na- nities in the case of floods, tropical storms, hurricanes, Sciences (1994), Latin tional culture. Among the ac- American and drought and earthquakes, natural events to which the Caribbean tions undertaken under the islands of the Caribbean are frequently exposed. Pedagogical Institute auspices of the UNESCO (IPLAC), Havana. Chair on Communication, ›› UNESCO Regional Chair on the Democracy and Govern Sciences of the ability of the Pontifical Integral Conservation of Catholic University Mother Cultural and and Teacher (PUCMM), the Natural Propert y Regional Seminar “Promot for Latin America and the Caribbean ing better journalistic (1995), National Centre practices in the Internet for Conservation, Restoration and era: ethics, challenges and Museology innovation” (November (CENCREM), Havana. ›› Biomaterials (1998), 2010, Dominican Republic) is University of Havana. worthy of note. The event, ›› Culture and coordinated with the Univer Development (2002), National Training sity Network of Information Centre for Culture, Ethics in Cyberspace, count- Regional Seminar “Promoting better journalistic practices in the Havana. Internet era: ethics, challenges and innovation”, Dominican ed with the presence of the Republic, 2011. In the Dominican Republic UNESCO Chairs on Com The University Twinning and Networking ›› UNESCO Chair for munication (Orbicom) and (UNITWIN) and UNESCO Chairs Programme also crystal- peace, the rights of representatives from the man and democracy lizes, since its creation in 1992, the role of the Organization (1999), Autonomous UNESCO Chairs from Colom as a promoter of innovation and good practices, foster- University of Santo bia, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Domingo (UASD), ing research and the development of programmes in Santo Domingo. the host country; in addition all its areas of competence, as well as in the flow of ›› Communication, to prestigious opinion lead- democracy and knowledge among universities. governability (2003), ers and authorities in matters The eight UNESCO Chairs existing in Cuba and the Pontifical Catholic of communication and the University Mother and Dominican Republic, characterized by their thematic Teacher (PUCMM), new media in the country and sectoral diversity, also contribute to the same end. Santo Domingo. and in Latin America. Development of Knowledge Societies in Cuba 8 and the Dominican Republic

out the country in urban as well as the most remote rural areas, constitute an adequate devel- The Office has promoted opment platform for different various actions aimed at facili- initiatives and programmes tating equitable access to ICTs, geared to eliminate information information and knowledge in disparities and foster social de- Cuba and the Dominican Re- velopment in a broad sense, public in order to contribute to prioritizing actions oriented to the development of knowledge the participation of youths, societies in these countries. women, children and persons To this effect, the Workshop with special needs. on Gender Evaluation Meth- Among the activities spon- odology (GEM) held in Novem- sored by Youth Clubs nation- ber 2009 in the Dominican Re- wide, the Informatics and Com public is to be noted. The event munity Symposium (INFOCOMUNI was aimed at upgrading public DAD) is worthy of mention. It officials, coordinators and policy forms part of the INFORMATICA makers in the use of the GEM International Convention –held tool and its application in the every two years at the Conven- design and evaluation of public tion Centre–, an event of great policies, programmes and proj- importance in strengthening ects in the field of information the professional and institution- and communication technolo- al capacity of the country’s gies, with a view to stimulating Youth Clubs, as well as facilitat- the full participation of women ing the exchange of experience in all areas relative to the devel- among the participating coun- opment of ICTs in the country.In tries. The support given by the the case of Cuba, the Office sup- Office to the three editions that ports the national movement have been held forms part of known as the Computing and the cooperation that tradition- Electronics Youth Clubs (JCCE, ally exists with the INFORMATICA Spanish acronym) as a means for International Convention since the community to access infor- 2002. mation and knowledge. The clubs, centres located through Cameras 9 for Diversity

The Office, with the financing provided through funds- Within the framework for action of the project, the in-trust by the government of Flandes, promotes the cre- Network for the Dissemination of Cameras for ation, production, dissemination and distribution of local Diversity has been developed. This initiative that already and indigenous audiovisual materials in Latin America and counts with 137 materials, seeks to contribute to overcome the Caribbean through Cameras for Diversity, a regional the difficulties encountered by indigenous and commu- project that has become one of the most effective instruments for implementing in the continent the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

nity audiovisual productions in gaining access to conven- tional dissemination and distribution circuits in view of the lack of information, resources and abilities to design strate- By providing support for Through the joint project gies. To this end, since 2007 the network promotes indig- UNESCO/Nomads, the first the training and professional subregional Cameras for enous and community films and audiovisual products by development of local commu- Diversity tour was organized, submitting to competition samples and materials in the which visited 48 nity members, in particular, in- communities in Bolivia, main regional and international events and festivals. Brazil, Paraguay and Peru, Cameras for Diversity Award digenous people and people attracting more than 13,650 Furthermore, the has of African descent, and for the spectators. been created in recognition of the audiovisual works that production of their audiovisual best express, through their own narrative language, the materials, this project enables them to become the cre- diversity of manifestations and the cultural heritage of ative subjects of their own word and image, thus reflect- these communities. During 2010, six awards were pre- ing their own vision of the world. The dissemination of sented in events as important as the 2010 Guadalajara these contents additionally contributes to the struggle International Film Festival (Mexico), the Presence against stereotypes and cultural folklorization, as well as Autochtone Festival (Canada), and the International Film to the enhancement of the intangible heritage and lin- and Video Festival of Indigenous Peoples (Ecuador), guistic diversity of these communities. among others. Regional SIDACULT 10 Network

SIDACULT is the main strategy adopted by the Office gies and approaches that seek to improve the use of cul- to stimulate and explore the new cultural, artistic and tural instruments in HIV and AIDS prevention and care in social responses generated in Latin America and the all population sectors. Caribbean to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Developed in In this regard, the intersectoral workshops held in 2011 an intersectoral manner and with UNAIDS funding, the are to be highlighted. Among them, the 2011 SIDACULT Network is conceived as a laboratory of ideas, for sharing Natural Sciences, an event that would link the Man and experiences and good practices, and it also constitutes the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to HIV and AIDS preven- an ample space for the concentration, visibility and pro- tion and care from a cultural motion of projects through the www.unesco.lacult.org perspective; and SIDACULT website. Education: “For the first With a strong spirit of renewal within the United time, an approach to the Nations System, SIDACULT explores new proposals which, Cuban audiovisual through with the use of new and daring approaches, promote dia- gender”, which seeks to train logue and social cohesion, and combat stigma and dis- Cuban teachers within the crimination. The impact of over a hundred projects and UNESCO Associated Schools associates comprising the Network throughout the re- Network in the use of Cuba’s contemporary film and audiovisual production as a teaching aid in the education of gender equality. The versatility observed in the approaches and un- dertakings of the project In Cuba, through the productive collaboration of has also been reflected in the National Centre for STI/ regional workshops held in HIV/AIDS Prevention, methodologies have been 2007 and 2009, which con- introduced to elaborate and measure the impact of the stituted creative spaces for projects addressing these action and reflection for the issues with a cultural approach. An example of the numerous experts, public excellent results obtained and private institutions, through innovative projects and models of good practices gion, and the success of the workshops and actions it foundations, artists, groups is AFROACHE, a community project linking santeria and promotes are examples of the importance of the use of and representatives from lo- the followers of the Regla de cultural tools in the search for a better understanding and cal communities through- la Ocha to HIV and AIDS prevention. dialogue between civil society and public institutions. out Latin America and the Since 2007, the Network has developed different training Caribbean. courses and workshops using a wide range of methodolo- The Slave Route Project and the International Year 11 for People of African Descent

Proposed by Haiti and a group of African countries, the Slave Route project was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 1993 to break the silence about the slave trade and slavery, and objectively draw attention to its consequences and the aspects it has forged in modern societies, and to struggle against new forms of slavery through the promotion of prevention cam- paigns adapted to local cultures. To this effect, the Office has developed numerous noteworthy actions over the years, such as the proj- Huisje Wild, Aruba. ect Places of Memory of the Slave Route in the

Latin Caribbean, through which 25 places of historical La Citadelle Laferriere, Haiti, importance related to slavery in Aruba, Cuba, the World Heritage Site. Dominican Republic and Haiti were identified. In addition to stimulating the protection of this valuable legacy

Boca de Nigua Sugar Mill, Dominican Republic.

San Severino Castle, Cuba. 25 Places of Memory of the Slave Route in the Latin Caribbean

Aruba From North to South Multimedia “Places of Memory of the Slave Route in the Latin • Huisje Wild Caribbean”. • Fort Zouman / Toren Willem III and the intangible manifestations associated to the com- • Santa Cruz ASU Sports Haiti munities involved, the project enhanced the use of these Hall Site From North to South sites as sources of sustainable development based on • MGSR Niewindtstraat 37 • La Citadelle, Ramiers et Sans their linkage to cultural tourism activities, and it also vali- Souci (WH) dated a methodology applicable elsewhere. The results • Guillon of Places of Memory of the Slave Route in • Habitation Poy-la-Generale the Latin Caribbean are available in a mul- • Santo timedia version and on the web, in English, • Jumecourt French and Spanish. • Camp Gerard In the context of the year 2011, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as Cuba the International Year for From West to East People of African Descent, the • Viñales Valley (WH) Office has promoted a wide • Angerona coffee plantation • Regla-Guanabacoa range of activities. One of the settlement most outstanding is the pro- • San Severino Castle duction of an audiovisual mate- • Trinidad and the Valley of the Dominican rial inspired by this commemo- Sugar Mills (WH) Republic ration, produced by young cre- • Ruins of the La Demajagua From West to East sugar mill • El Naranjo community ators from the International Film • Town and mining site in • Cepi-Cepi sugar mill and Television School in San El Cobre • Diego Caballero sugar mill Antonio de los Baños (Cuba) • Tumba Francesa de la • Boca de Nigua sugar mill who come from different parts Caridad de Oriente (ICH) • Coffee plantations in south- • San Gregorio Chapel of the world. east Cuba (WH) • Congos de Villa Mella (ICH) Promotion of quality crafts 12 in the Latin Caribbean

the crafts sector plays an increasingly significant role in the development of local economies. The Office has developed several actions relative to the promotion of quality crafts in the Latin Caribbean. In Trinidad, Cuba, as part of the Needles project, an action that seeks to reorient the marketing strategy and design of the products made by those who knit and embroider in this heritage site, a Multi- purpose Community Centre was created primarily for the artisans of the territory, furnished with IT equipment for giving lectures, specialized courses, and mounting exhibits, and a multimedia was produced showing a catalogue of traditional needle- work. In addition, the no. 6 issue of Culture and Development, published by the Office and available

at www.unesco.org.cu/RevistaC&DMagazine was Duo de Sirènes. Johnson Augustin, Haiti. dedicated to the dynamics of Latin American crafts as an economic, social and cultural development factor. The proclamation of the 2006 UNESCO Seal of Excellence for the Crafts of the Latin Caribbean, an action that counted with the collaboration of the World Santos de Palo. Grupo de Santos de Palo, Dominican Republic. Crafts Council (WCC) and the Spanish Foundation for Innovation in Crafts, had a major subregional impact in this field. Out of 145 works from Aruba, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti submitted to the first edition of this project, an international jury selected 18 works following criteria of authenticity, innovation, marketing potential, respect for ecology and social re- sponsibility. Both the UNESCO Seal of Excellence and the Needles project have been directly linked to the main event of this sector in Cuba, the International Crafts Fair (FIART). Works awarded the 2006 UNESCO Seal of Excellence At present, through the Joint Programme Support for the New Decentralization Initiatives and

Cuba Haiti Production Incentives in Cuba, within the framework Teresa Toscano Ruiz Dona Louissaint of the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Tablecloth with eight napkins Sleeping Big Mama Fund (MDG-F), the Office helps to develop crafts pro- and table runner Winston Cajuste duction in five municipalities in Cuba: La Palma (Pinar Lourdes Trigo Bermudez Rara del Rio), Marti (Matanzas), Yaguajay (Sancti Spiritus), Rio Ribbed jacket Johnson Augustin Cauto (Granma) and El Salvador (Guantanamo). The ac- Sergio C. Daniles Romero Duo de Sirènes tions, implemented with different cultural, social and Lantern Michee Ramil Remy Eduardo Nuñez y Pedro Sirène Santiago Gonzalez Ceremonie Voodoo Chest with cameo Ange Gardien Adys M. Jimenez Martinez Jonas Soulouque Large jar Pied Banane

Training course, Rio Cauto, Granma.

economic sectors on the island, are primarily aimed at Fruit bowl with fruits. Juan Tomas Isla, Cuba. perfecting and diversifying the current production of Adolfo Perez Valdes Dominican Republic the artisans in these territories, as well as promoting the Centrepieces Juan Puello introduction of sustainable management plans, based Fernando Cedeño Bruzon Wooden roosters on responsible environmental measures, which will Saddles Grupo Santos de Palo ensure the planned reproduction and diversification of Epifanio Bernal de Bonao raw material sources. These efforts, oriented towards Chests, jewellery boxes and Santos de Palo the support of local development, are further comple- vases Marino y Nelson mented by the provision of supplies and equip- Lazaro Rene Cordero Brito ment designed to improve the artisans’ work- Rectangular table lamp Butterflies in ing conditions. Juan Tomas Isla Iñarrute coconut Amphora, chests and covers, gourds Rectangular table lamp. fruit bowl with fruits Lazaro R. Cordero, Cuba. Science at the service of 13 sustainable development

Among the different initiatives the Office has fos- to address the situation identified. tered to this end, mention should be made of the assis- Additionally, in Cuba, the Office provides support for tance to the Academy of Sciences of the Dominican the Scientific Culture Weeks held throughout the coun- Republic to implement the first stage of the project try, an event that promotes a greater exchange of experi- Perception of Science and Technology by High School ence and knowledge Students in the National District and the Province of among the members of Santo Domingo. It is an action geared to support the the scientific community on the island, and facilitates the application of new contents and technological advances in national development plans. Organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Envi ronment and the Academy of Sciences of Cuba, these meetings have also become a space for debate on different global issues, such as climate change and disaster prevention, stimulating the growing involve- social appropriation of science and technology, as well as ment of broad sectors of to facilitate a closer look at the issue of low enrolment the population in these levels in the country’s careers in basic sciences. As part issues. of the project, a standardized diagnosis is foreseen on The Office has also the perception of sci- sponsored Children’s ence at the national Vocational Festivals for level, as well as a na- Science and Technology in tional workshop where support of the national researchers, actors, au- agencies’ effort to show the thorities and the gen- coming generations attrac- eral public may reflect tive examples of scientific on these issues and for- advances and knowledge, thus helping to enrich the mulate possible actions scientific culture required for sustainable development. Works from Cuba and the Dominican Republic included 14 in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register

The documentary heritage constitutes part of the memory of the peoples, and it also reflects the diversity of cultures enriching human life. UNESCO, through its Memory of the World Programme stimulates the pres- ervation and access of valuable documents and collec- tions conserved in archives and libraries that are con- stantly at risk of disappearing. The Office has provided technical assistance for the submission of the nomina- tions from Cuba and the Dominican Republic included in this Register, namely:

Jose Marti Perez Collection of the Santiago Alvarez (on the right), soul of the ICAIC Documentary Fund, original negatives of Latin American Newsreel. comprising 2,435 literary, the ICAIC Latin journalistic, political and American Newsreel, Documentary Heritage personal documents on a weekly news documen- on the Resistance and tary produced from 1960 Struggle for Human to 1990, with footage Rights in the Dominican from more than 90 coun- Republic (1930-1961), a tries on historical mo- testimony of the struggle ments of world of the Dominican people importance. for democracy, liberty and respect for human rights during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship, one Book for the Baptism of the most repressive re- of Slaves (1636-1670), gimes in Latin America in an invaluable source of the 20th century. information on the slav- the life and works of ery system on the Cuba’s National Hero, the American continent, par- island’s most universal ticularly in the Dominican thinker. Republic. Unesco Office in Havana more than six decades in the region The Office counts with the Jaime Torres Bodet Documentation Centre, considered one of the oldest of its type outside UNESCO Headquarters. Founded in February 1959, the Centre has provided its services uninterruptedly since its inaugura- tion. It treasures original publications and documents from the time UNESCO was created, and its collection has been declared a Heritage Collection by the National Council of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Cuba. UNESCO in the United Nations System

The Office actively participates in the coordination mechanisms of the United Nations System established in Cuba and the Domini can Republic, including the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the interagency groups. This synergy is made evident in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), which establishes areas of cooperation in those countries:

UNDAF – Cuba 2008-2013 • Local human development • Natural disasters and risks • Environment and energy • Health • Food security

UNDAF – Dominican Republic 2012-2016 • Promotion of social and economic inclusion • Women’s empowerment and rights • Protection of the rights of children, adolescents and youths • Environmental sustainability and integrated risk management

The Office also participates in joint programmes financed by the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F) in Cuba, as well as by UNAIDS in regard to HIV and AIDS prevention. Accordingly, in line with its mandate, the Office enhances the programmes developed by the United Nations System contributing to the consolida- tion of peace, poverty alleviation, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. Coordination: Herman van Hooff Edition: Yanet Toirac Design: Pepe Nieto Translation: Sonia Dunn

Regional office for culture in Latin America and the Caribbean Calzada No. 551 esq. D El Vedado, Havana, Cuba CP 10400

[email protected] www.unesco.org/havana www.unesco.org.cu

Havana, 2011 For more details on the projects and actions succinctly described in this booklet, and on other activities carried out by our Office, we invite you to consult our website from which you may also access the following information resources:

Acentos Activity reports The Portal of Oralidad Cultura y A bimonthly electronic Compendium of the Culture of Latin Annual journal Desarrollo newsletter on the projects and activities America and the designed to safeguard Journal on current topics activities of the implemented in each Caribbean oral tradition in Latin of interest for the institution. biennium. Available online in America and the development of Latin Spanish and English at Caribbean. American and Caribbean www.unesco.lacult.org, culture has an extensive database with more than 100,000 entries on the cultural activities of the Member States in the region. www.unesco.org/havana www.unesco.org.cu