Proposal to submit to UNESCO for recognition of "Knowledge of growing and processing coffee in Dak Lak"

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration and permission for Dak Lak province to establish a scientific dossier on the intangible cultural heritage "Knowledge of growing and processing Dak Lak coffee" to be listed on the UNESCO List.

This is an important milestone demonstrating the attention of the Party, State and Government to the preservation and promotion of the value of Vietnamese coffee cultural heritage, in which Dak Lak plays a central role.

That is the information given by Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province at the scientific workshop "Global coffee industry value chain - Global, local and sustainable development," held on December 6, at the World Coffee Museum (Dak Lak).

The workshop was organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture.

In his opening speech at the Workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Nhan, Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, emphasized: Coffee is a strategic industrial crop, the pride of Dak Lak in particular and the Central Highlands in general. However, this is also a plant with specific ecological requirements, it does not retain water in the rainy season but requires a large amount of water in the dry season; suitable for the highland area but sensitive to climate change... Therefore, this Workshop is not only a scientific forum but also an opportunity to create a new vision for the development of the Vietnamese coffee industry in the global value chain; developing coffee heritage, from knowledge of planting, care, processing to the culture of enjoyment; industry, technology, coffee brand; social responsibility, environmental protection and sustainable development..."

In particular, the Workshop is of great significance in the process of building the dossier "Knowledge of growing, processing and enjoying coffee" to submit to UNESCO for inclusion in the List of Good Practices for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is also a great opportunity to honor indigenous knowledge, increase the value of the Vietnamese coffee brand and affirm the contribution of the Central Highlands in the world cultural heritage map," said Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Nhan.

According to Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province Tran Hong Tien, besides the affirmed heritages such as the Gong Cultural Space, Bai Choi art, Epic..., Dak Lak province also owns coffee culture - a living heritage that is developing strongly and becoming an important soft resource, creating momentum for economic, cultural and social development.

Among them, “Buon Ma Thuot – the heart of the Vietnamese coffee industry” has long been on the world coffee map. Dak Lak Robusta coffee beans are not only an agricultural product, but also a symbol of a unique culture; the crystallization of knowledge, experience and creativity that the ethnic communities of the Central Highlands have cultivated, preserved and passed down through many generations.

At the workshop, scientists focused on discussing many contents such as: Coffee in the flow of cultural exchange and assimilation; Coffee practice and the localization process in the context of globalization; positioning coffee heritage in economic, social and tourism development; preserving and promoting local knowledge in planting, caring, processing and enjoying coffee...

In particular, emphasis is placed on approaching coffee studies from the perspective of an intangible cultural heritage, with global values without losing local identity.

According to the Organizing Committee, the Workshop marked an important first step in the journey to build the Profile "Knowledge of growing and processing coffee in Dak Lak" to submit to UNESCO for inclusion in the List of Good Practices for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This knowledge is not only passed down through generations as understanding and skills associated with customs, ethics, and social behavior, but is also crystallized in stories about the journey of growing and processing coffee - a place where tradition and global culture intersect.

Thereby, forming common memories and identities for the community, contributing to conveying cultural values and norms, while promoting sustainable development, creating livelihoods and ensuring social security.

Coffee knowledge practices are not only limited to the cultivation or processing process, but also contain core values that connect communities, enhance dialogue, strengthen social structures and foster a spirit of cohesion between generations and regions.

Therefore, coffee is not only an agricultural product or a popular drink, but also a cultural symbol, the crystallization of labor, creativity and the soul of the people of Dak Lak in particular and the Central Highlands in general.

Since then, coffee has become a catalyst for dialogue, creativity and development, contributing to building a green, inclusive and sustainable culture – a new direction affirming Vietnam's position in preserving, honoring and promoting contemporary cultural heritage.

Previously, in March 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a Decision to announce the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, in which "Knowledge of growing and processing Dak Lak coffee" was included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage under Folk Knowledge./.

Comment (0)