Communities play a key role in protecting and promoting the value of world heritage.

World Heritage Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hanoi). Photo: QUYEN HOANG

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized the importance of heritage not only in terms of historical value, but also as a strategic asset for future development. However, he also warned that heritage is facing many risks such as climate change, urbanization, pressure from mass tourism and indifference from people. In that context, putting the community at the center is an effective and urgent direction. "Community is not just a concept, but a core principle in heritage conservation," affirmed the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO in coordination with relevant units. Photo: QUYEN HOANG

Director of the World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo said that communities are the ones who hold knowledge, preserve traditions and play a key role in conservation. According to him, to promote this role, localities need to ensure sustainable livelihoods, strengthen capacity and apply digital technology to adapt to challenges such as climate change. “We must strengthen the community-centered approach,” Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo emphasized.

Sharing the same view, UNESCO Representative in Hanoi Jonathan Baker said that empowering communities does not stop at consultation, but also allows them to directly participate in the decision-making process, organize cultural activities and benefit from heritage. This is the way for heritage to truly become a resource for local socio-economic development.

Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha affirmed: “The city identifies investment in culture as investment in sustainable development.” She said that Hanoi has issued policies on conservation, closely linking planning and heritage management, while promoting propaganda, educating on traditions and raising public awareness.

At the workshop, delegates agreed that to protect and sustainably promote the value of world heritage, there needs to be close coordination between the state, the community and international organizations. In particular, the local community, with its central role, is the “key pillar” to bring heritage along with development.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cong-dong-co-vai-tro-then-chot-trong-bao-ve-va-phat-huy-gia-tri-di-san-the-gioi-post796225.html