Instead, traditional cultural values are gradually becoming resources, "soft assets" for people to develop household economies , build new livelihood models and move towards sustainable poverty reduction. The story of economic development through culture is no longer a strange concept, but has become a mainstream trend in many localities.
Cultural preservation is not only preservation, but also creating motivation for development.
The cultural identity of each nation – from language, costumes, architecture, performing arts, to customs and festivals – all contain distinct and unique values. While in the past, these values were only preserved in the form of exhibitions or through art movements, now they are exploited as a development resource associated with community tourism and commodity production.
Recreating the Giang Son worship ceremony of the Ruc people, recreating traditional cultural features
In many villages in the northern mountainous region, people have known how to take advantage of traditional culture to attract tourists. Ancient stilt houses have been renovated into experiential spaces; brocade costumes have become popular handicrafts; folk dances and songs have become highlights in tourist tours. When culture becomes an economic product, people are more aware of preserving and maintaining their identity.
This new approach not only helps protect cultural values from the risk of extinction, but also opens up opportunities for sustainable livelihood development, suitable to the conditions and traditions of each ethnic community.
One of the most successful models combining cultural preservation with livelihoods is community tourism. In many mountainous provinces, community tourism villages have become attractive destinations thanks to the preservation of indigenous cultural space.
New approach to protecting culture from being lost
Homestay models imbued with local culture not only generate direct income for households but also spread benefits to the entire community through food services, tour guides, selling handicrafts, and organizing art performances. This is clear evidence that when culture is "activated", the entire community benefits.
In the Central Highlands, the space of gong culture, long house architecture, brocade weaving, musical instrument making… are becoming valuable tourism resources. Many cooperatives, especially those run by women, have taken advantage of cultural values to develop experiential tourism services, thereby helping many households escape poverty and become typical models in economic development.
Traditional crafts revived – women become the center
The brocade weaving, basketry, pottery making, musical instrument making… in many ethnic minority areas once went into decline, but are gradually reviving thanks to tourism and product commercialization. Notably, women are a large group of participants and play an important role in preserving the craft.
In the Northwestern provinces, many women-run brocade weaving cooperatives have been established, creating stable jobs for hundreds of workers. Income from weaving helps many families cover their living expenses, invest in their children’s education and escape poverty in a sustainable way.
The effectiveness of cultural-livelihood models has shown remarkable results in creating local jobs, especially for women and youth.
In the Mekong Delta, the Khmer people have revived traditional weaving, sculpture and palm sugar making to serve tourism. Not only do these crafts preserve cultural identity, they also help generate local income, reduce labor migration and contribute to maintaining community cohesion.
In addition to preserving and developing good cultural values, localities also focus on eliminating bad customs that hinder socio-economic development such as early marriage, superstition, and expensive wedding and funeral ceremonies. Changing public awareness plays an important role in reducing unnecessary costs, helping people focus on production and livelihood development.
Many villages have established new village and cultural conventions, which clearly stipulate civilized and frugal forms of living. Village elders, village chiefs, and prestigious people have been promoted to play a central role in mobilizing and setting an example for the community.
From the determination, tireless efforts, and effectiveness of cultural - livelihood models, remarkable results have been shown in creating jobs on the spot, especially for women and youth; Increasing income from tourism services, handicraft products, traditional specialties; Restoring traditional occupations, avoiding the risk of loss; Strengthening community solidarity, creating a foundation for socio-economic development; Reducing social costs by eliminating backward customs; Enhancing local cultural status, attracting investment and tourists...
These models have helped thousands of poor households have stable livelihoods, moving towards multidimensional and sustainable poverty escape.
Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/gan-bao-ton-van-hoa-voi-phat-trien-sinh-ke-huong-di-ben-vung-cho-vung-dong-bao-dan-toc-thieu-so-20251127143750624.htm
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