QuangNam (VNA) – UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Susan Vize said thepreservation of heritage urban areas should be integrated into economic growthto ensure sustainable development.
Speakingat an international seminar in the central province of Quang Nam on June 14,the official stressed the significance of international cooperation inpreserving and promoting values of heritage urban areas.
Climatechange and sea level rise have put pressure on urban areas, especially heritageones, she said, calling for joint efforts of all-level authorities, specialisedagencies and the private sector to preserve and promote their values.
Otherdelegates at the seminar discussed mechanisms and new approaches in sustainablemanagement of heritage urban areas, and other issues regarding the work.
DinhVan Thu, Chairman of the Quang Nam province People’s Committee, said Hoi An is anancient town in Southeast Asia with more than 1,000 architectural works likehouses, communal houses, pagodas, temples and tombs.
Thanksto its outstanding cultural values, Hoi An was recognised as a culturalheritage site by UNESCO in December 4, 1999.
Despiteachievements in the preservation work, Hoi An is facing new challenges causedby climate change and sea level rise, along with threats of fire due to theoverload of services, pressures of overpopulation and impacts of urbanisation.
Dr.Chuk Chumno from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism underlined the importance ofheritage tourism as well as the need to maintain sustainable development in culturaltourism.-VNA
VNA