The techno culture of Berlin has been honoured with Intangible Cultural Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The electronic music scene of the German capital was one of six new entries UNESCO identified for the country, including traditional cider "Viez," mountaineering in Saxony and tapestry sewing style Schwälmer Weißstickerei.
UNESCO states that techno music "has shaped large parts of the city of Berlin since the mid to late 1980s," sharing how the establishment of DJ culture and the city's revered club scene led the electronic music subgenre to become "the soundtrack of the spirit of optimism after reunification" following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Non-profit organization Rave the Planet, instrumental in leading the campaign for UNESCO recognition, shared in a statement, "Congratulations to all the cultural creators who have shaped and contributed to Berlin's techno culture. This is a major milestone for the entire culture, and our joy is beyond words."
In 2021, Rave the Planet co-founder Dr. Motte told DJ Mag that a successful bid for Intangible Cultural Heritage status "would mean that the government and authorities have to help the culture continue," explaining, "It would mean easier access to money from the state for support... if we have that status, we could support clubs with lower taxes, and it could affect building and trading laws."
Clubcommission Berlin — a regional association of club, open-air, festival and cultural event organizers — called the designation "another milestone for the city's techno producers, artists, club operators and event organizers."