The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (VHTTDL) has recently issued a directive to the People's Committees of provinces and cities under the Central Government, urging a comprehensive review and adjustment of newly formed administrative units in relation to recognized world cultural and natural heritage sites, special national monuments, and other significant heritages. This initiative is part of the implementation of several key government decisions aimed at reorganizing administrative units and establishing a two-tier local government model.
According to document 1445/BVHTTDL-DSVH, the ministry emphasizes that while the names of world cultural and natural heritages, special national monuments, and provincial-level sites should remain unchanged, localities must update the associated place names to reflect the new administrative configurations. This is crucial to ensure that the historical, cultural, and scientific values of these sites are not altered.
The directive outlines that organizations managing these relics must have a clear representative responsible for their oversight and protection. The ministry specifically states, "It is necessary to ensure that there is an organization or representative responsible for directly managing, protecting, and overseeing the relics. Avoid the situation where there is no or unclear person directly responsible." This is a call to strengthen the management framework surrounding these cultural assets.
Furthermore, local governments are tasked with reviewing the scientific records of these sites, focusing on the components of minutes and maps that delineate the protection areas. These documents must be verified by the local People's Committees before any administrative adjustments are made to ensure unified land management. In cases where records are missing, authorities are instructed to request certified copies from higher-level management agencies.
In addition to tangible heritage, the ministry stresses the importance of maintaining the names of intangible cultural heritage sites to preserve their historical and cultural significance. Compliance with both Vietnamese law and the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage is mandatory.
The ministry has also highlighted the need to review national treasures, ensuring that the administrative units where these treasures are stored align with the names in the Prime Minister's recognition decisions. This review is part of a broader effort to ensure that all elements of cultural heritage management are cohesive and reflective of the new administrative realities.
Moreover, traditional festivals, which are classified into provincial and communal levels, will also undergo scrutiny. The ministry has proposed that localities conduct reviews of traditional festivals held at recognized heritage sites, except for those already listed by UNESCO or categorized as national intangible cultural heritage. The aim is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of these cultural celebrations.
In the tourism sector, the directive mandates that the names of recognized national tourist areas be preserved while updating the place names associated with these areas in accordance with the newly arranged administrative units. This ensures that the tourism landscape remains coherent and recognizable to both locals and visitors.
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance local governance and cultural heritage management, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is calling for a consolidated management apparatus that effectively supports the protection and promotion of these historical and cultural sites. This includes the issuance of regulations specific to the management and preservation of historical and cultural relics.
In light of these developments, the ministry has set a deadline for localities to submit their review reports by October 30, 2025. This timeline is crucial for ensuring that all necessary adjustments are made promptly, facilitating a smoother transition into the new administrative framework.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has also signed Official Dispatch No. 34/CD-TTg on April 10, 2025, which emphasizes the importance of tourism development in achieving a double-digit economic growth rate. This underscores the government's commitment to integrating cultural heritage management with broader economic goals.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's directive marks a significant step towards ensuring the preservation and proper management of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage in the face of administrative changes. By maintaining the integrity of heritage sites while adapting to new governance structures, the ministry aims to safeguard the nation's historical and cultural identity for future generations.
