From ratification to listing: The putting into effect in France of the policy concerning immaterial heritage (2006-2010)

Unesco policy for the preservation of immaterial cultural heritage is contained in a very general text. It is up to each country to implement it according to its needs and already existing institutions. In France this task has been given to the "Mission à l ethnologie" of the Ministry of Culture. It would appear that these concerns are similar to what went under the label of ethnology. This equation does not, however, make the implementation of this policy any easier. This paper examines the implications of the ratification of the text by France for relations with local communities, the role of ethnological research, the choice and follow up of programs and the ways the conserv ation of immaterial heritage can be evaluated. At the present time the emerging picture of the effects of the implementation of the Convention remains somewhat unclear.