Proposal submitted to UNESCO to recognize animal cultures

Danae Papageorgiou, a behavioural ecologist leading the Emmy Noether research group at Humboldt University of Berlin, has co-submitted a proposal to UNESCO. The initiative advocates for the recognition and protection of animal cultural traditions as part of global heritage. Papageorgiou argues that many animal species possess socially learned behaviours, rules, and traditions that are passed across generations. These cultures are described as essential for adaptation to environmental changes. Key examples cited include chimpanzees using tools for tasks such as termite extraction and wound treatment. Additionally, dolphins are noted for utilizing socially learned cooperative hunting strategies, including instances of interaction with human fishermen. The proposal seeks to redefine the understanding of culture beyond an exclusively human characteristic.