Project INH: A case study of the role of museums in the interpretation of intangible natural heritage

Museums are traditionally recognized as repositories of tangible heritage.1 In recent years, however, the intangible aspects of heritage have been gaining prominence through the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)2 and others. Within the museum community, this move has been facilitated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), where efforts to achieve parity between tangible and intangible heritage have gained momentum during the last decade.3 The ICOM has, for instance, redrafted its defi nition of museums to include both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage.4.