The twelvth issue of the ICH Courier opens with a recap of the Third Central Asia Sub-regional Network Meeting on the Safeguarding of ICH. The meeting was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 23 and 24 May 2012. It provided participants with an opportunity to discuss measures for making ICH inventories using online tools.

The Expert Remarks in this issue reviews the relationship between fine mat waving in Samoa with cultural presentations and gender roles.

Windows to ICH provides an introduction to examples of ICH practices from countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region in relation to a specific theme. This issue takes a look at representations and practices of face makeup in performing arts. In these examples of intangible cultural heritage from China, India, Papua New Guinea, and Viet Nam, the cultural significance in makeup colours, patterns, and applications are shown, giving readers an opportunity to discover the similarities and differences of makeup throughout the region.

The Field Report section of the ICH Courier takes a more in-depth look into specific issues regarding ICH. This issue focuses on the Gangneung Danoje Festival in the Republic of Korea. This festival can trace its roots back to 300 CE. The following section, Inventory-Making Efforts, examines the safeguarding efforts in Uzbekistan by examining the first phase results of its inventory-making project as well as the planned goals for the second phase of the three-phase project.

ICHCAP Inside reviews the background and results of the 2011 Mongolia-ICHCAP Joint Cooperation Project of Safeguarding ICH Utilising Information Technology project. This successful project is expected to help enable ICHCAP implement similar projects in the region.

The Understanding ICH section provides an in-depth review of Fourth Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention, which was held in Paris, France, from 4 to 8 June 2012.

The ICH News Briefs section wraps up this edition by providing information on other recent issues and events taking place throughout the Asia-Pacific region.