Borscht is a soup made with beets and cabbage and a staple Ukranian cuisine now “in need of urgent safeguarding” according to Unesco, an agency of the UN that promotes world peace by facilitating international cooperation in education, arts, history, sciences, and culture. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has greatly impacted this national dish, which is widely eaten across Eastern Europe and Russia.
In providing a reason for the safeguarding of borscht, Unesco’s Intergovernmental Committee noted in its approval that the armed conflict, displacement of Ukrainians, and inability to cook the dish as a community all have directly threatened the dish, and “undermines the social and cultural well-being of communities.”
Unesco’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding aims to mobilize attention to protect traditions at risk of being lost. An item on the list helps stakeholders gather support for international cooperation and assistance in developing an action plan for protection, according to a recent statement by the foundation.
“The culture of borscht cooking has long been practiced and celebrated in all regions of Ukraine, with communities, families and restaurants developing their own versions of this traditional and popular dish…It reflects local characteristics and products depending on the region,” writes Unesco in its statement. “Borscht is considered part of the fabric of Ukrainian society, cultural heritage, identity and tradition.”
Since the war in Ukraine began, Unesco has initiated several emergency measures to protect culture, education, as well as journalists.
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