Expectations from new policies to protect and promote heritage values

Many important highlights

Vietnam currently has 8 world heritages recognized by UNESCO, including both natural and cultural heritages such as Ha Long Bay, Trang An Complex, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Hue Ancient Capital, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary...

In addition, dozens of intangible cultural heritages such as Royal Court Music, Bac Ninh Quan Ho, Ca Tru, Southern Amateur Music, etc. have also been honored. Each heritage is not only a source of national pride but also a great resource for socio -economic development, especially tourism.

Expectations from new policies to protect and promote heritage values - photo 1 — South Gate of Ho Dynasty Citadel - a unique stone architectural symbol that remains intact after more than 600 years of the World Cultural Heritage Ho Dynasty Citadel

However, along with the process of urbanization, economic exploitation and the impact of climate change, many heritages have been and are under great pressure. Some structures are degraded, natural landscapes are encroached upon, and there is even a risk of losing their originality.

In addition, the lives of artisans, who hold traditional knowledge associated with intangible heritage, still face many difficulties, not commensurate with their role in preserving the national soul. Therefore, the birth of Decree 215/2025 is considered necessary to fill the legal gap, bringing conservation work into a more transparent and effective framework.

The Decree clearly states measures to manage, protect and promote the values of world cultural and natural heritage, while creating a legal corridor for preserving intangible cultural heritage.

Notably, the document adds a direct support policy for artisans – “living human treasures”. They will enjoy clearer treatment regimes, including living support, teaching conditions and preserving folk knowledge.

This is an important step forward, because for a long time, most artisans have maintained the preservation of heritage with personal passion, lacking resources to pass it on to the younger generation.

In addition, Decree 215 also stipulates a coordination mechanism between local authorities, communities and cultural management agencies in heritage conservation. This is to overcome the previous situation of fragmentation and overlapping responsibilities, when there were cases of heritage infringement but it was unclear which unit was primarily responsible.

In addition, the document also opens up a socialization mechanism, encourages businesses and social organizations to participate in preserving and sustainably exploiting heritage, and requires a monitoring mechanism to avoid excessive commercialization.

Another new point is the tightening of tourism management at natural heritage sites. Accordingly, construction projects and service exploitation must ensure the principle of sustainable development, without affecting the original value. This is an urgent requirement as recently, there have been many concerns about infrastructure construction and excessive tourism exploitation at famous sites such as Ha Long Bay, Trang An or Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

Expectations from the new policy

With Decree 215, people, especially the community living in and around the heritage area, will be the direct beneficiaries. Because they are both the creators and the forces participating in conservation. The policy of supporting artisans not only helps improve their lives but also motivates them to continue teaching the next generation. At the same time, the community will have the opportunity to engage in cultural tourism activities, thereby increasing income and improving the quality of life.

Expectations from new policies to protect and promote heritage values - photo 2 — Artisans who preserve traditional culture will be respected and properly supported.

At a macro level, this decree also demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. When the management mechanism is transparent, the close coordination between the State – community – enterprises will help heritages not only “live” in the past, but also become a driving force for development in the present and the future. This is also a way for Vietnam to enhance its national position in the international arena, when heritages are preserved and their sustainable values are promoted.

Of course, for the decree to come into effect, there needs to be synchronization in implementation. If there is a lack of resources or lax management. It is important that local authorities truly value the role of heritage in the socio-economic development strategy, instead of focusing only on short-term exploitation. At the same time, people also need to be raised awareness, becoming active subjects in protecting heritage, instead of just being beneficiaries.

Decree 215/2025/ND-CP was issued at a pivotal time, when Vietnam's heritage conservation work is facing both opportunities and challenges. The opportunity is the rich and diverse heritage resources that are very attractive to the world. The challenge is the pressure from economic development, climate change and natural degradation. Therefore, the decree is not only a legal tool, but also an affirmation: heritage conservation is a common responsibility, closely linked to the sustainable development of the country.

People expect that, along with this decree, artisans who preserve traditional culture will be respected and properly supported; natural and cultural heritage sites will continue to shine on the world map; and above all, future generations will still have the opportunity to live in intact, vibrant heritage spaces.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/ky-vong-tu-chinh-sach-moi-bao-ve-va-phat-huy-gia-tri-di-san-163244.html