ABSTRACT
In terms of intangible cultural heritage, there have been a lot of discourses that talk about its contribution to laying a foundation for the identity, well-being, and sustainable development of communities as well as for mutual understanding both within and between them. Hence the international community has come to recognise that due to the impacts of conflicts and catastrophes on intangible aspects of heritage, there may be a significant impact on fundamental parts of people's life. However, while a lot of discussions have happened around the relationship between disasters and intangible aspects of heritage, and its potential contribution to disaster risk reduction, efforts for the same have mostly been building-centric.
This chapter highlights the role of intangible aspects of cultural heritage in the disaster cycle. Through the case study of Chitpur, an urban craft and historic trade hub in the city of Kolkata, India, sheds light on how these intangible attributes that contribute much to the socio-economic character of the city are at risk due to various underlying vulnerabilities. The chapter also enhances the fact that while on one side, these practices can often be the threat itself, on the other can also serve as a capacity during emergencies and in post-disaster situations. It illustrates how these practices can adapt in very creative ways to cope with human and climate-induced hazards and concludes with the inherent contribution of intangible aspects of heritage in building community resiliency and the need to mobilise it.
