The activities of Estonian National Folklore Council (CIOFF® Estonia) proceed from the documents and suggestions of preserving and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. CIOFF® Estonia was founded in 1992 as interdisciplinary organisation regarding to the Recommendation of the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore by UNESCO (adopted at the 25th session of the UNESCO Main Conference on November 15, 1989 in Paris). Cultural, memory, scientific and educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, communities and individual members have created a nationwide network of folklore activities in Estonia.
Another important document for CIOFF® Estonia is a programme of UNESCO – Living National Treasures. It has been successfully implemented by annually giving out the Award of Cultural Heritage.
The Participation Programme of UNESCO for years 2000-2001 supported organizing the International Folklore Festival Baltica in 2001.
Members of CIOFF® Estonia (Ingrid Rüütel, Heli Kallasmaa, Anne Ojalo, Kristin Kuutma etc.) participated in creating explanatory letters and proposals of Convention of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO to Estonian Government in 2005. The Convention got approval by the Government on 5th of January 2006. CIOFF® Estonia continues participating in implementing the Convention and composing the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
CIOFF® Estonia has a good co-operation with the Estonian National Commission for UNESCO (Coordinator of Culture Programmes – Margit Siim) and with the Chamber of Intangible Heritage in Estonian Folk Culture Development and Training Centre.
Estonian National Commission for UNESCO The Chamber of Intangible Heritage in Estonian Folk Culture Development and Training Centre |
| UNESCO and Estonian National Folklore Council |


