UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They are an organization that helps protect important places and objects around the world that are important to different cultures.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage lists are lists of special things, like stories, plays, songs, dances, celebrations, and handicrafts, that help make a culture special. UNESCO put these lists together to help make sure that these things that are special to different cultures aren't forgotten. They are important to help keep different cultures alive and to help remind us of where we come from.