The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval for Dak Lak province to prepare a scientific dossier on the intangible cultural heritage "Knowledge of growing and processing coffee in Dak Lak" for inclusion in the UNESCO List.
This is a significant milestone demonstrating the Party, State, and Government's concern for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnamese coffee, with Dak Lak playing a central role.
This information was provided by Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province, at the scientific conference "Global Coffee Industry Value Chain - Global, Local and Sustainable Development," held on December 6th at the World Coffee Museum (Dak Lak).
The workshop was organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province in collaboration with the University of Culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Nhan, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, emphasized: "Coffee is a strategic industrial crop, a source of pride for Dak Lak in particular and the Central Highlands in general. However, it is also a crop with specific ecological requirements; it does not retain water during the rainy season but demands a very large amount of water during the dry season; it is suitable for highland areas 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 Vietnam's coffee industry in the global value chain; to develop the coffee heritage, from knowledge of planting, caring for, and processing to the culture of enjoyment; coffee industry, technology, and branding; social responsibility, environmental protection, and sustainable development..."
"In particular, the workshop is of great importance in the process of building the dossier on 'Knowledge of coffee cultivation, processing and enjoyment' to be submitted to UNESCO for inscription on the List of Good Practices for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is also a great opportunity to honor indigenous knowledge, increase the brand value of Vietnamese coffee and affirm the contribution of the Central Highlands on the world cultural heritage map," said Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Nhan.
According to Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province, in addition to established heritage sites such as the Gong Culture Space, Bai Choi art, and epics, Dak Lak province also possesses 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 Vietnam's coffee industry" has long left its mark 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 culmination of knowledge, experience, and creativity that the ethnic communities of the Central Highlands have cultivated, preserved, and passed down through many generations.
At the conference, scientists focused on discussing various topics such as: Coffee in the context of cultural exchange and transformation; Coffee practices and the process of localization in the context of globalization; Positioning coffee heritage in economic, social, and tourism development; Preserving and promoting local knowledge in coffee cultivation, care, processing, and enjoyment…
In particular, emphasis should be placed on approaching coffee research from the perspective of an intangible cultural heritage, with global values that do not lose their local identity.
According to the organizers, the workshop marks an important first step in the journey of building the dossier "Knowledge of Coffee Cultivation and Processing in Dak Lak" to be submitted to UNESCO for inscription on the List of Good Practices for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This knowledge is not only passed down through generations as insights and skills associated with customs, ethics, and social behavior, but it is also crystallized in stories about the journey of growing and processing coffee – a place where tradition and global culture intersect.
This helps to form shared memories and identities for the community, contributing to the transmission of cultural values and norms, while promoting sustainable development, creating livelihoods, and ensuring social security.
Knowledge-based practices in coffee are not limited to cultivation or processing; they also encompass core values that connect communities, enhance dialogue, strengthen social structures, and foster a sense of belonging across generations and regions.
Therefore, coffee is not just an agricultural product or a popular beverage, but also a cultural symbol, the embodiment of the labor, creativity, and soul of the people of Dak Lak in particular, and the Central Highlands in general.
From there, coffee has become a catalyst for dialogue, creativity, and development, contributing to building a green, inclusive, and sustainable culture – a new direction that affirms 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 announcing the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, in which "Knowledge of planting and processing coffee in Dak Lak" was included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage under Folk Knowledge.
(VNA/Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/de-xuat-trinh-unesco-ghi-danh-tri-thuc-trong-va-che-bien-caphe-dak-lak-post1081429.vnp
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