Promoting Oc Eo culture to students at Vong The High School. Photo: Phuong Lan
According to the plan, a UNESCO delegation is expected to conduct a field survey at the Oc Eo - Ba The archaeological site in June-July 2026. One of the important criteria that UNESCO is particularly interested in is the role of the community: Do local people understand the value of the heritage? Do they agree and are they willing to work together to protect the heritage? The answer does not lie in professional reports or pre-prepared presentations, but in the awareness and attitudes of each person living in the vicinity of the site.
Given its importance, the Oc Eo Cultural Relic Management Board has been actively promoting a widespread awareness campaign. From the commune's People's Committee hall to the hamlet's cultural centers, and even at temples and schools, preparations are underway with urgency. In communes like Oc Eo and My Thuan, the awareness campaign is intensive, involving Dr. Ngo Quang Lang and Master Nguyen Huu Gieng – individuals with extensive knowledge of the Oc Eo cultural relic. The campaign is not only targeting officials and civil servants, but also focusing on religious leaders, the Khmer people, and especially students in junior and senior high schools in the area.
The thematic workshops on Oc Eo culture helped students gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Funan kingdom, the sophisticated techniques of their ancestors in jewelry making, copper coin minting, and temple construction. This knowledge is not just dry history lessons, but also a source of pride in their homeland, empowering students to confidently become young tour guides if they happen to be asked questions by UNESCO experts.
Meanwhile, at meetings with residents in Tan Hiep A, Tan Hiep B, Trung Son, and Tan Dong hamlets of Oc Eo commune, people were given specific instructions on five core responsibilities: not damaging historical sites, not encroaching on public land, not buying or selling artifacts illegally, maintaining a green, clean, and beautiful environment, and being ready to report any unusual artifacts to the authorities.
Arriving at Trung Son hamlet, Oc Eo commune, considered the center of the archaeological site, we had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Nguyen Van Nho (born in 1964) - a resident who has spent almost his entire life at the foot of Ba The mountain. Mr. Nho's house is only a few hundred meters from the Nam Linh Son Tu archaeological site (Oc Eo - Ba The archaeological site). When asked about the province's preparations to welcome the UNESCO delegation, Mr. Nho expressed pride but also concern. His biggest worry is the infrastructure serving daily life and tourism . "The current street lighting system is very rudimentary. I hope the government will invest in a more systematic lighting system so that tourists and locals can appreciate the beauty of this heritage area at night," Mr. Nho said.
In Tan Hiep A hamlet, close to historical sites like Go Cay Thi, we met Mr. Thach Chanh Sone (born in 1966). As a Khmer person living right in the heart of this ancient culture, Mr. Sone was excited to mention the UNESCO delegation's upcoming field survey in the middle of this year. “Living in this land of historical sites is a blessing and a source of pride. Not only me, but also the Buddhists and the elders in the villages are very proud of the Oc Eo culture. For a long time, through information on the radio and the propaganda campaigns at the Oc Eo Cultural Exhibition House, I have understood and even encouraged students to come here to visit and learn about the history of the ancient Funan kingdom,” Mr. Sone shared.
For Mr. Sone, protecting heritage is not something far-fetched, but begins with the awareness of each individual. Mr. Sone said he will actively encourage his family members to maintain cleanliness and environmental landscapes to create a good impression on international tourists. He suggested that the Oc Eo Cultural Relic Management Board and local authorities should strengthen efforts to share the history of the relics so that people are thoroughly familiar with the knowledge and can answer interviews from international delegations in the most articulate way possible.
When the Oc Eo - Ba The Archaeological Site is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, An Giang will attract more investment, develop sustainable tourism, and improve the lives of the local community. To best prepare for the upcoming survey, in addition to the efforts of the government, the voluntary cooperation of each household is essential. A confident answer about the timeline of the formation of the Oc Eo culture, a civilized attitude, or a sense of protecting ancient artifacts from the local people will be the most vivid evidence of the vitality of the heritage within the community.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/moi-nguoi-dan-la-dai-su-van-hoa--a480551.html
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