New opportunities for heritage

In recent days, Vietnam has received a series of good news as many heritage sites have been recognized by UNESCO. This is a testament to the unique value of the national culture and the efforts to preserve heritage.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien - Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) shared about the process of building and protecting the dossier, along with conservation and exploitation measures to bring opportunities and potential for development in the new era.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien.

PV:   Madam, what is the significance of Vietnam's heritage being repeatedly recognized by UNESCO in recent years for the cultural sector and the country's image on the international stage?

Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien: On July 12-13, 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially recognized the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots (located in Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh provinces and Hai Phong city) as a World Cultural Heritage site; and simultaneously considered and approved the adjustment of the boundaries of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri province, Vietnam) connecting with Hin Nam No National Park (Khammouane province, Laos), under the name: "Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park" in the World Heritage List.

These are the highlights of the culture, sports, and tourism sector in 2025, making a significant contribution to the development of the country's culture, promoting socio -economic development in localities with heritage sites, and strengthening the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

So, Madam, what difficulties and advantages do we encounter in the process of building and protecting the documentation for these heritage sites?

Regarding the nomination dossier for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots, the site dates back to the 13th century. Due to its existence over many centuries, many relics no longer retain their original value; some sites have been rebuilt or restored, while others have been newly constructed, so the authentic dating from the Tran Dynasty is no longer readily available. The content of the nomination dossier focuses on the 13th-14th centuries, but many attributes of the 20 clusters and sites have a longer historical period.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda viewed from above.

Further challenges relate to ICOMOS's recommendations on archaeology; assessing heritage carrying capacity; measures to ensure the security and safety of monuments and artifacts; and especially recommendations to improve the integration of the Heritage Impact Assessment mechanism into the Law on Cultural Heritage…

In particular, UNESCO's requirements for the dossier are becoming increasingly difficult and stringent, and the on-site verification of ICOMOS's authenticity is extremely rigorous. The authenticity was initially assessed by UNESCO experts, who concluded that this was the weakest point that needed to be addressed in order to demonstrate the site's outstanding global criteria.

Furthermore, the preservation of historical sites remains inadequate (some sites have been completely destroyed, such as Quynh Lam Pagoda and Ngoa Van Pagoda, and some sites are being prepared for new construction)...

Regarding the dossiers for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has identified the task of assisting Laos in completing the nomination dossier for Hin Nam No National Park (Laos) as a transboundary World Heritage site, in conjunction with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Vietnam) as a World Natural Heritage site, as a particularly important political task. This demonstrates Vietnam's responsibility to UNESCO and the international community in general, and is also a practical solution for implementing cooperation agreements between the two Parties and States of Vietnam and Laos.

Therefore, the creation of this dossier is a top priority for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, considered a symbol of cooperation between the two countries in the field of cultural heritage, thereby contributing to further strengthening and consolidating the special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

So, with these two UNESCO-listed heritage sites, what are the future directions for preservation and promotion of their value, Madam?

In the coming period, to effectively manage the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac Complex of Monuments and Scenic Spots World Heritage Site, the Department of Cultural Heritage will work with localities to closely follow UNESCO's recommendations on heritage site conservation, fully implement the planning of these sites approved by the Prime Minister; and complete the integration of the Heritage Impact Assessment mechanism into the Law on Cultural Heritage and its implementing decree.

In addition, carry out the restoration and preservation of historical sites in accordance with the regulations of the law on cultural heritage; develop a plan to respond to the increase in the number of visitors in the future and integrate tourism activities and orientations into a tourism management plan.

In particular, we also prioritize the development of tourist services that do not negatively impact heritage values ​​and harmonize with the surrounding landscape; and strengthen research and gather detailed information on indigenous knowledge related to intangible cultural heritage in this area, in order to provide the necessary context for the participation of local communities in the management and protection of heritage.

Regarding the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, both sides need to continue promoting the implementation of scientific research projects and establishing operational methods to address potential impacts on the heritage; and assess tourism carrying capacity in accordance with the ecological and resource capacity of the overall Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park.

In particular, Vietnam can support Laos in enhancing its capacity to develop legal regulations for the management, protection, and promotion of the value of World Heritage sites in general, and Hin Nam No National Park in particular.

Thank you very much, Madam!

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/co-hoi-moi-cho-di-san-10311586.html