Rapid modernisation and modern lifestyles are threatening the survivalof the ancient Cham culture and other ethnic traditions in the centralprovince of Quang Nam, home to two UNESCO-recognised world heritagesites and a world biosphere reserve.
The subject was the main focus of a conference in the province on April 3.
Theconference was told that 337 physical relics, mostly buildings, and 120cultural festivals are in danger of disappearing because of theincreasing demands of economic development.
"It's an alarmingproblem. The increase in population and mass migration have badlyaffected cultural relics," said the deputy head of Hoi An city's Cultureand Information Department Tong Quoc Hung.
"Old craftsmen aregradually dying out, taking knowledge of many folk arts and crafts withthem. Few of young people show any interest in inheriting their skillsand secrets," he said.
Hung also remarked on the move away from century-old traditional architecture in Hoi An City in recent years.
"Localpeople now prefer to refurbish their old houses so that they reflectmodern times. One of the reasons for this is the influx of new residentsuninterested in or unaware of Hoi An's precious links with the past,"he said.
The Secretary of the Party Committee of Dong Giangdistrict, Nguyen Bang, said the culture of the Co Tu ethnic mountainpeople has been affected by the intrusions of outside influences broughtin by newcomers.
"Native customs and costumes are being taken over by modern lifestyles, education, economic development and culture," he said.
Bangadmitted that the collection and conservation of the ancient culture oflocal ethnic groups have never been seriously approached or evaluated.
"Thenative language and customs play a key role in ethnic socio-economicdevelopment. It's also a precious treasure for the province in thefuture," he said, adding that the culture and customs of Co Tu ethnicminority should be included in the curriculum of high schools in themountain districts of Dong Giang, Nam Giang and Tay Giang.
Bang also said the Co Tu culture should be included for protection under the National Target Programme.
Ata tourism market workshop last year, Lucy Russell, the editorialmanager of QUO, a travel agency, said the province has great history,tradition, culture and environment, as well as two world heritage sitesand the world biosphere reserve of the Cham Islands . She said this isideal for promoting sustainable tourism.
UNESCO, theInternational Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Food and AgricultureOrganisation (FAO) have already provided some support for the promotionof craft-village tourism and world heritage sites.
Last month,the province officially opened the My Son community tourism village nearMy Son Sanctuary – a World Heritage Site. This is one of the firststeps towards boosting eco-tourism and sustainable tourism.-VNA