Community-engaged digital safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage: a review of methods and challenges

Key Points

• The aim is to explore effective methods and challenges in digitally safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through community involvement.
• Reviewed 79 studies from 2010 to 2025 on digital intangible cultural heritage safeguarding
• Analyzed the integration of digital methods with community engagement
• Examined challenges such as the digital divide in cultural preservation
• Highlighted the risks of digital fossilization when technology-heavy methods lack community involvement
• Identified the need for equitable and sustainable strategies in line with UNESCO’s ethos
• Discussed the importance of a synergistic approach to enhance the vibrancy of intangible cultural heritage.