Hoi An, a model of conservation and development of living heritage urban areas

The results of the overall investment plan for conservation, restoration and promotion of values associated with the development of Hoi An City and tourism in the 2012-2025 period were comprehensively evaluated at a conference organized by the People's Committee of Da Nang City yesterday (October 20), serving as a basis for Da Nang City to propose to the Government to develop a master plan for the next period.

Hội An, hình mẫu bảo tồn - phát triển đô thị di sản sống- Ảnh 1. — Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, spoke at the conference.

According to the summary report, up to now, the ancient town of Hoi An has been well preserved and promoted; the landscape and ecology have been preserved to the maximum; tourism has developed strongly, becoming an important economic sector of the locality. In particular, urban planning and management have ensured harmony between conservation and development, in accordance with UNESCO's criteria on "integrity and authenticity" of heritage. Conservation activities are not only limited to the heritage site but also extended to the buffer zone and the outskirts, ensuring comprehensiveness and cohesion, in accordance with UNESCO's criteria: "Hoi An is a typical example of a traditional Asian port city that is perfectly preserved".

However, the lack of formation of large-scale and comprehensive component projects in the early stages has affected the synchronization of the planning. Investment resources are still limited, mainly relying on the state budget; coordination and management mechanisms in organizing and implementing the planning are still lacking in synchronization... At the conference, experts and researchers discussed core issues such as management models, the relationship between conservation and development, policy mechanisms, finance, law, the role of the community and international cooperation. Notably, the role of the community was emphasized, as a particularly important subject.

Hội An, hình mẫu bảo tồn - phát triển đô thị di sản sống- Ảnh 2. — There was a time when Hoi An ancient town was overloaded with visitors.

Hội An, hình mẫu bảo tồn - phát triển đô thị di sản sống- Ảnh 3. — Hoi An is considered a living heritage.

PERSISTENT AND CAREFUL WITH "LIVING HERITAGE CITIES"

In the context of the new Da Nang City being formed on the basis of merging with the old Quang Nam province, many opinions believe that the development of a master plan for heritage in the next phase is a strategic and urgent requirement. The new plan needs to define a long-term vision, linking conservation with sustainable development and international integration, creating a driving force for the surrounding area. Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, affirmed that Hoi An is a "treasure", a symbol of the harmony between tradition and modernity. She requested that extreme caution, consideration, and science be taken to ensure that the overall character of an ancient commercial port city, an ecological, cultural, and tourist city is not disrupted, and that shortcomings are overcome and that the city keeps pace with the digital age.

Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong highly appreciated the comprehensive results of the 2012-2025 planning, especially the expansion of conservation space to the periphery and the enhancement of benefits associated with community responsibility. He affirmed: "Hoi An has become a model not only for Vietnam but also at the regional and world levels in harmoniously resolving the issues of conservation and development".

However, he noted that cultural heritage capital must be the focus, not trading heritage for economic goals; maintaining core values and ensuring the integrity and unity in the overall space of the ancient town of Hoi An. "Preserving Hoi An is a difficult task because of its characteristics as a living heritage city, requiring perseverance and caution. Hoi An needs to make good use of its advantages after being under the jurisdiction of Da Nang City to break through and become a prominent model of the world in heritage conservation in contemporary life," said Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoi-an-hinh-mau-bao-ton-phat-trien-do-thi-di-san-song-185251020213435828.htm