Borshch added to UNESCO heritage list

The addition of practices and cultures to the UNESCO list aims at mobilising attention to ensure they are preserved despite risks to their existence.

The decision was made by a committee in a fast-tracked process – “as a matter of extreme urgency” – prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the "negative impact on this tradition" caused by the war.

UNESCO defines the list’s purpose as "to ensure greater visibility" and to "increase awareness" of the significance of nominated elements as representatives of intangible cultural heritage.

Some of the well-known elements on the list include Chinese Shadow Puppetry, French Gastronomic Meals and South Korean Kimchi.