Unesco states that “Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects” and that intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions, performing arts and social practices are “an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalisation.”

Protected status is usually reserved for traditional activities – camel racing in the UAE and the art of horn playing in France were among the activities granted heritage status last year, for example, and it would be unusual for it to be extended to a more modern phenomenon. 

But there is precedent, as Zurich added techno to its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2017. Back in 2016, a German court also ruled that Berghain produces work of cultural significance, entitling it to the same tax reductions as arts and culture venues.

Rave the Planet says it hopes Unesco status would “lower obstacles and requirements for the opening and maintenance of cultural venues [such as] clubs. It also makes it easier to access government subsidies and non-profit funding” and “puts pressure on authorities to act”.

Not everyone in the scene supports the bid, with some feeling it would undermine techno’s counterculture status. 

But Alan Oldham, a Detroit-born DJ who helped give rise to techno music culture, told the Observer that “Unesco protection would help a lot towards establishing techno and club culture as a legitimate social force with historical value and worthy of government support, not just hedonistic, disposable club music and drugs”.

Advocates aren’t expecting an easy ride, though, with Dr Motte saying it could five or 10 years to achieve the goal.