Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding: A Youth-led Community of Practice in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

This paper illustrates how youth are motivated to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in a community of practice (CoP). The study took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The study first explores the perceived threats to safeguarding local ICH as seen by youth members. Subsequently, it presents a case study of how the youth members’ relationship with the community impacts the transmission and manifestation of ICH as a CoP, emphasising mutual engagement, joint enterprise, shared repertoire and shared identity. Qualitative research methods, including interviews, field notes, observations and multimedia documentation, were employed. The results present the conditions for a youth-driven CoP, supporting youth experiences in: (1) enhancing their sense of local identity; (2) recognising the value of cultural knowledge; (3) engaging in collaborative learning with a culture bearer; and (4) being challenged to find innovative solutions.