The preservation of integrity should be prioritized.

VHO - The Dung Quat - Sa Huynh coastal road (phase III) is an important infrastructure project, but the route, approximately 1.2km of which passes through An Khe lagoon, area II of the Sa Huynh Archaeological and Cultural National Special Monument, requires a cautious approach.

Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association

Associate Professor Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, believes that preservation and development are not mutually exclusive, but sustainable development must be based on a full understanding of the value of heritage, especially its integrity, a key criterion towards being nominated for a World Heritage site.

In a private interview with Văn Hóa magazine, Associate Professor Dr. Tống Trung Tín, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association and member of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, stated: "The Sa Huỳnh Archaeological Cultural Site has great potential to become a World Heritage site. It's very encouraging that in 2023, Quảng Ngãi province proposed this to the relevant ministries and agencies. It's regrettable that the steps involved in preparing the dossier have been slow so far. Before aiming for that title, I believe a comprehensive, thorough, and in-depth investigation and research program is needed, following a scientific and systematic approach, because this is one of the three major cultural centers that shaped the cultural landscape of Vietnam between 2,500 and 2,000 years ago; and it is a unique and rare type of heritage site with a dense system of relics and a relatively intact living space across many historical periods," Dr. Tín suggested.

More specifically, within the structure of the Sa Huynh cultural heritage, An Khe lagoon is not merely a supporting element. Experts generally recognize An Khe lagoon as a sensitive area, playing a crucial role in the Sa Huynh cultural space; it is the interconnectedness of the lagoon, residential mounds, salt fields, and coastal living spaces that creates the comprehensive value of the site.

In the long-term goal of achieving World Heritage status for Sa Huynh, Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin argues that, according to UNESCO standards, a World Heritage dossier must meet rigorous criteria, most notably universal value, authenticity, and integrity. While the first two criteria can be proven through documentation, artifacts, and research results, "integrity," especially the ecological environment and landscape, is facing many challenges due to infrastructure interventions.

The Sa Huynh Archaeological National Special Site in the Go Ma Vuong area is located around An Khe lagoon. Photo: N. VIEN

According to the route plan report of the Quang Ngai Provincial Project Management Board for Investment and Construction of Transport Projects, the section through An Khe lagoon was considered with many options and the chosen direction was "straight across the lagoon with bridge spans," based on the argument of not creating a separation between the lagoon and the water, maintaining a straight route parallel to the coastline, and aiming to enhance regional connectivity.

All decisions concerning cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage need careful consideration, not only in terms of economic and technical aspects, but also in terms of cultural depth. In this specific case, it is suggested that all relevant parties, along with experts, scientists, and administrators, should engage in discussions and reach a consensus on the following recommendation: The highest priority should be given to the complete preservation of the Sa Huynh archaeological site.

(Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tong Trung Tin)

However, Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin warned: Building roads and bridges across the An Khe lagoon would directly threaten the integrity of the archaeological site; it would threaten the entire landscape and living environment of both humans and the living organisms residing there. Therefore, if a scientific dossier is to be prepared for the Sa Huynh Archaeological Cultural Site to become a World Heritage site, it will certainly be very difficult to achieve. According to the President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, even without the goal of World Heritage status, when a site is already a national or special national site, the principle remains to preserve it in its original state. Once the original value is destroyed, any subsequent restoration efforts will only be relative.

Answering the question, "What is the feasible option to preserve the core values ​​of the Sa Huynh Archaeological Cultural National Special Monument?", Associate Professor Tin observed: "As far as I know, the proposed routes through the An Khe lagoon area have been very well coordinated by the relevant parties, and some options need to be discussed thoroughly. We also recognize that the construction companies face difficulties, but they are very receptive to expert opinions. The option recommended by experts, scientists, and cultural experts is to curve the road to follow the terrain on the western side of the An Khe lagoon, closely following and 'cutting' along the current highway and railway. It's a bit difficult, but in return, the entire An Khe lagoon and the Sa Huynh archaeological site will be protected to prepare for the next steps."

The road or viaduct at that bend also needs careful design to ensure it is aesthetically pleasing, suitable for the natural conditions, and, if possible, can serve as a highlight for the heritage site in the future.”

From an integrated planning perspective, this approach also reduces direct conflict between new transportation routes and sensitive heritage spaces. "Heritage is not just a physical asset, but also possesses spiritual value, and can even be likened to a 'sacred space'."

Therefore, all decisions related to cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage need to be carefully considered not only from an economic and technical perspective, but also from a culturally profound one. In this specific case, the relevant parties, along with experts, scientists, and managers, conducted discussions and reached a consensus on the following recommendation: "The highest priority should be given to the complete preservation of the Sa Huynh Cultural Archaeological site," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tong Trung Tin emphasized.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/can-uu-tien-bao-ton-toan-ven-220130.html