Economic resilience from heritage

Tourists join the tour

Tourists join the tour "Experience the night at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam". (Photo by Thanh Nguyen)

Growth lever

In a short time, technology has created a new approach to preserving and promoting heritage values. At the Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, Thang Long Imperial Citadel… night tours combine light projections and virtual reality applications to expand the space for heritage exploration .

Live shows such as Tinh Hoa Bac Bo and Ky Uc Hoi An attract the public by renewing traditional values and forming a chain of cultural and artistic services that bring economic efficiency. In contemporary life, performing arts, folk music, indigenous knowledge, customs... are "reborn", becoming attractive highlights in cultural and tourism activities.

At the Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, Thang Long Imperial Citadel… night tours combine light shows and virtual reality applications to expand the space for heritage exploration.

Dr. Tran Doan Lam, former Director of The Gioi Publishing House, commented: “Economic activities based on heritage in Vietnam are taking shape in three directions: Tourism and cultural experiences; development of creative industries and digital economy; public-private partnership in conservation and infrastructure investment. Exploiting “heritage derivatives” not only creates revenue for conservation, but also brings heritage closer to young audiences and connects to international markets.”

The emerging heritage economy is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field, operating on the basis of culture, education, tourism and services. The program “Quintessence of the North” is an example of the process of transforming traditional materials into unique performing arts products. This model forms an ecosystem of tangible and intangible culture and a chain of derivative products. The generated revenue circulates to support the restoration and preservation of heritage, nurture artisans and train the next generation of creative forces.

This new development direction requires a scientific approach, exploitation, professional management and especially respect for the original value of heritage. When the community is empowered to own and benefit from its cultural values, heritage becomes a “living asset” and radiates endogenous strength.

Institutions and platforms for innovation

In practice, when exploited in the right direction, cultural heritage becomes an important economic resource for many localities. In the ancient town of Hoi An, the conservation and preservation of heritage is closely linked to people's lives. The world natural heritage Ha Long Bay promotes green tourism combined with sustainable development. However, besides stable income, the exploitation of heritage values is facing many challenges. Restoration work lacks a scientific basis; experiential products are not rich; financial and human resources are limited; commercialization pressure affects the authenticity of heritage and the environment.

Hoi An is seeking to balance the modern living needs of its people with the need to preserve ancient houses; Ha Long must reconcile economic benefits with the protection of its natural landscape. These issues require supportive mechanisms and policies. The draft document of the 14th National Party Congress emphasizes the viewpoint of “conserving and effectively promoting cultural heritage values associated with the development of the heritage economy”. This orientation reflects the need to legalize the concept of “heritage economy”, creating a foundation for heritage to become a long-term growth driver.

Conservation must go hand in hand with innovation, shifting from “preservation” to “creation”, considering heritage as the center of creativity and experience, with the community participating and directly benefiting. This is the key to turning heritage into a powerful resource, promoting local cultural and economic development.
Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council

To expand economic activities in heritage exploitation, it is necessary to soon build a policy framework connecting the fields of culture, tourism and creative industries, ensuring consistency in management and development. According to Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Folklore, it is necessary to identify and plan types of heritage economic sectors, analyze characteristics and values as well as assess impacts and handle relationships when developing heritage economy in localities.

Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said that it is necessary to fundamentally change the approach to heritage. Conservation must go hand in hand with innovation, shifting from “preservation” to “creation”, considering heritage as the center of creativity and experience, with the community participating and directly benefiting. This is the key to turning heritage into a powerful resource, promoting local cultural and economic development.

In addition, localities need to focus on training human resources for heritage management, cultural communication and promoting public-private partnership models to expand the creative startup space. Together with digital technology, creative economic thinking and community engagement, revenue from heritage will contribute to preserving and maintaining traditional cultural values and promoting the development of related economic sectors.

NGOC LIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/suc-bat-kinh-te-tu-di-san-post927013.html