Nearly 200 representatives from UNESCO's intergovernmental intangible cultural heritage protection body and NGOs gathered on Wednesday in China to find ways to better protect humanity's cultural heritage.

The gathering, being held in Chengdu, southwestern Sichuan province from Wednesday to Sunday, will examine the selection criteria used to make additions to the list of intangible cultural heritage.

It will also discuss the draft financial regulations of the intangible cultural heritage fund set up by the International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage along with representatives from the 30 countries that are signatory to the convention and five international non-governmental organizations are attending the meeting.

China also launched on Wednesday its first international festival of intangible cultural heritage in Chengdu. The festival, which will last until June 10, includes exhibitions, theme parties and a forum on intangible cultural heritage.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2007)