Would you like to see Icelandic pool culture on the UNESCO list?

Call for endorsements from all interested parties

Do you love swimming and would like to support the designation of the Icelandic swimming pool culture to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage? Your contribution does not require much work, but may result in the acceptance of Icelandic pool culture on the UNESCO list. All you have to do is write a short description of what the Icelandic pool culture and the tradition of swimming means to you. The declaration of support will accompany Iceland’s application to UNESCO.

A simple statement that outlines the importance of Icelandic swimming pool culture

Simple but meaningful statements from individuals, NGOs, institutions and municipalities are called for, including answers or questions: What swimming means to you? What do you do swimming? What connection do you have to the tradition, and what does the swimming tradition mean to you? How do you want to support the tradition for the future? What would it mean to you if the Icelandic swimming tradition were to be added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage? The support statement can be in English (or Icelandic) and it is advisable to specify separately the name of the list. The name is: UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the case of a statement of support from associations, institutions or municipalities, it is a good idea to describe their involvement in the swimming pool culture, why the tradition is important to them and how they want to support the continuing flourishment of swimming pool culture in Iceland.

The process is simple

• Write a short statement (in English)
• Sign the document in printed letters and your own handwriting
• Send a scanned copy/pdf. to the e-mail address: sigdag@hi.is
• Your statement of support will accompany the application to UNESCO
• It is good to have all the statements of support received before the end of January 2024

Why does your support matter?

It is important that each nomination to the UNESCO´s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, is accompanied by a statement of support from those who care about traditions. It shows that the tradition is alive and important to the community from which it emerges. Further information can be sought from the Thriving Traditions Project Manager via the email: sigdag@hi.is

Web of thriving Traditions in Iceland (Icelandic) – traditions survive because they are carried across generations. Do you know the Icelandic traditions? On this website you can share all about thriving traditions in Iceland. Participate in creating valuable knowledge about diverse cultures.