Cultural Dimensions of Territorial Development: A Plan to Safeguard the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Guano’s Knotted Carpet Weaving Tradition, Chimborazo, Ecuador

The current research article focuses on safeguarding the knotted carpet weaving tradition in Guano, an endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) threatened by globalisation and a lack of intergenerational transmission. The research aims to revitalise this artisanal technique through a comprehensive safeguarding plan, using a participatory action research approach. Activities included in-depth interviews, workshops, and the documentation of seven key cultural practises related to the weaving, such as spinning, natural dyeing, and design. The study found that 86% of these practises are highly vulnerable. To address this, the research developed strategies to promote generational transmission, strengthen local collaboration, and connect the craft to territorial identity and sustainable tourism. Proposed actions include intergenerational education programmes, tourism initiatives, and local fairs to boost carpet marketing. The study contributes to the field of ICH by highlighting the role of cultural tourism in preserving at-risk artisanal techniques and community identity. It emphasizes the need for collaborative approaches to safeguard living heritage in a globalized world. The research findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional practices into modern contexts to ensure their long-term sustainability.