Quản lý di sản văn hóa và thiên nhiên thế giới ở việt nam theo công ước di sản thế giới TT TA

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
HANOI UNIVERSITY OF CULTURE
********

NGUYEN VIET CUONG

MANAGEMENT OF WORLD CULTURAL AND
NATURAL HERITAGES IN VIET NAM
UNDER THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION

Major: Cultural Management
Code: 9319042

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION SUMMARY
ON CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

HANOI, 2021


The dissertation was completed at:
HA NOI UNIVERSITY OF CULTURE
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

Scientific Supervisors: 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Bai
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Sy Toan

Reviewer 1: Prof. Dr. Truong Quoc Binh
Vietnam National Institute Of Culture and Arts Studies
Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thi Minh Duc
Viet Cutural Architectural Heritage Conservation and Restoration, JSC

Reviewer 3: Dr. Nguyen The Hung
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Toursim

The dissertation will be defended at University level Doctoral Dissertation
Assessment Committee at Ha Noi University of Culture
418 La Thanh street, Dong Da, Ha Noi
On:….., day…. month ….., 2021

The dissertation can be found at:
- The National Library of Viet Nam
- Library of Ha Noi University of Culture


1
ABSTRACT
1. Rationale for the study
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) was established in 1945, in which one of the main priority areas of
activity was the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritages. The
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO all carry in themselves
"Outstanding Universal Values", to which all countries are aware of and share
and are one of the foundations of mankind development and the path to bring
peoples and nations closer together.
In 1972, an important document on cultural heritage was approved by
UNESCO, which is the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and
Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention/Convention). This is the only
Convention that combines the protection of cultural heritage and natural
heritage, with the most profound effects, studied and applied by member
countries in the protection and management of World Heritage in their
countries. Since its inception, although the content of the Convention has not

changed, the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World
Heritage Convention (the Operational Guidelines) has been regularly revised and
supplemented to update the new visions of UNESCO and later detail and
concretize those views, to assist member states in implementing the Convention.
By 2020, 194 countries have ratified and become parties to this Convention. Viet
Nam officially ratified the accession to the Convention in 1987.
Since joining the Convention, Viet Nam has had 08 cultural, natural and
mixed heritages inscribed in the World Heritage List. Also since 1987, we have
had many changes in awareness, theory and practice in this field, reflected in the
legal system on cultural heritage that has been gradually built closer to the spirit of
the Convention. such as regulations on cultural heritage, natural heritage, cultural
landscape, Outstanding Universal Values, integrity, authenticity of cultural
heritage...; Viet Nam's management of World Heritage has also been positively
affected by the Convention on policies, organizational structure, personnel,
investment resources to protect heritage... Especially, since the first property was
inscribed in the World Heritage List (1993), the protection and management of
World Heritages has made many positive changes: The system of legal documents
has been gradually improved, the structure of World Heritage management bodies
has been gradually consolidated from the central to the local level, resources to
protect the World Heritages are prioritized and mobilized to the maximum level


2
compared to other heritages. We also always enlist international support to protect
World Heritages... Therefore, the integrity and authenticity that make up the
Outstanding Universal Values of World Heritage Sites are still protected; heritage
values are being promoted quite effectively. However, the management of World
Heritages in Viet Nam still reveals limitations and inadequacies in different
aspects that need to be overcome.
In the past time, the study of World Heritages in general, World Heritage

management in Viet Nam in particular has been paid attention to by many
scholars and there have been a number of research works referring to the
management and conservation of specific World Heritage sites. However, there
has not been a single work that approaches and studies the management of
World Heritage in Viet Nam in accordance with the Convention's provisions in
a holistic manner. Therefore, the study, identification, supplementation and
correction for the better management of World Heritage in our country, in the
spirit of the Convention, Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the
Convention and the Policy for the integration of a sustainable development
perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO,
2015), (Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable Development of UNESCO) is
a necessary, scientific and practical work.
From the above reasons, the PhD student chose the topic "Management
of World Cultural and Natural Heritages in Viet Nam under the World
Heritage Convention" as the topic of his doctoral dissertation specializing in
Cultural Management.
2. Objectives and objects of the study
2.1. Objectives of the study
Proposing solutions to improve the efficiency of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam in line with the contents of the Convention, the
Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention
and UNESCO's Policy on World Heritages and Sustainable Development.
2.2. Missions of the study
To achieve the above research purpose, the thesis has the following tasks:
- Systematize issues related to World Heritage management, the
Convention, the Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the
Convention, UNESCO's Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable
Development to form the theoretical basis for the dissertation.
- Analysis and assessment of the current status of World Heritage
management in Vietnam according to the World Heritage Convention.

3
- Study orientations of UNESCO and Viet Nam, experiences of some
countries in the world on World Heritage management.
- Proposing solutions to improve the efficiency of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam according to the UNESCO Convention towards
Sustainable Development Goals in the coming time.
3. Objects and scope of the study
3.1. Objects of the study
The dissertation focuses on researching World Heritage management in
the spirit of the Convention, Operational Guidelines for the implementation of
the Convention and UNESCO's Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable
Development.
3.2. Scope of the study
- About space
Focusing on research on 08 World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, including:
Complex of the Hue Monuments (Thua Thien Hue), Hoi An Ancient Town
and My Son (Quang Nam), Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang
Long - Ha Noi (Ha Noi), Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (Thanh Hoa), Ha Long
Bay (Quang Ninh), Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh), Trang
An Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh); and also central, local and coordinating
entities. In addition, the dissertation also surveys and learns about the
management of World Heritage in relevant domestic and international
organizations and individuals.
- About time
The dissertation focuses on studying the current status of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam under the World Heritage Convention from 1993 to
present. 1993 was the year that Viet Nam had the first cultural heritage inscribed
in the World Heritage List - Complex of Hue Monuments. In some cases, for

comparison, the dissertation may refer to activities at earlier timelines.
4. Research hypothesis and research questions
4.1. Research hypothesis
- Management of World Heritage in Viet Nam over the past time has not
completely met the requirements of World Heritage protection stated in the
Convention and its Operational Guidelines, especially from the perspective of
sustainable development by UNESCO.
- We have a basis to improve the efficiency of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam in the coming time.
4.2. Research question
- What are the current contents of World Heritage management activities
in Viet Nam under the World Heritage Convention?


4
- How have World Heritage management activities in Viet Nam contributed
to sustainable development from the point of view of UNESCO?
- What solutions to improve and enhance the management of World
Heritage in Vietnam?
5. Research Methods
The thesis uses research methods: analysis, synthesis; compare; field
survey; in-depth interviews; modeling.
6. New contributions of the dissertation:
Theoretically:
The disseration provides the views and contents of World Heritage
management of the Convention and compares it with the current laws on
cultural heritage, contributing to complete and enrich the regulations on
protection and management of World Heritage in Viet Nam.
Practically:
- It is the first work that fully points out the shortcomings and limitations in

World Heritage management in Viet Nam according to the World Heritage
Convention.
- Propose necessary, appropriate and feasible solutions to overcome
inadequacies and limitations to improve the efficiency of World Heritage
management towards the goal of sustainable development.
- As a reference for managers, practitioners, and policy makers in the
process of adjusting policies and strategies for World Heritage management in
Viet Nam close to the Convention, Operational Guidelines for the
implementation of the Convention and UNESCO's viewpoints on sustainable
development in World Heritage management.
7. Dissertation layout
In addition to the introduction, conclusion, references, appendices, the
dissertation is structured into 3 chapters:
Chapter 1. Overview of research situation, theoretical basis for the
management of World Cultural and Natural Heritages under the World
Heritage Convention and an overview of World Heritages in Viet Nam.
Chapter 2. Status of World Cultural and Natural Heritage management in
Viet Nam under the World Heritage Convention.
Chapter 3. Solutions to improve the efficiency of the management of
World Cultural and Natural Heritage in Viet Nam in accordance with the
World Heritage Convention.


5
Chapter 1
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION, THEORETICAL
BASIS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WORLD CULTURAL
AND NATURAL HERITAGES UNDER THE WORLD
HERITAGE CONVENTION AND AN OVERVIEW
OF WORLD HERITAGES IN VIET NAM

1.1. Overview of research situation
1.1.1. Studies on policies, principles, and orientations for World Heritage
management
With this content, it is possible to mention the research documents and
orientations on World Heritage management of international organizations such as
UNESCO, WHC, ICOMOS, IUCN, ICCROM: Managing Natural World
Heritage (2012) [136], Managing Cultural World Heritage (2013) [103],
Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties
(2011) [104], Managing Disaster Risks for World Heritage (2010) [102]...
Besides, there are also research works of some typical organizations and
individuals such as: Managing Tourism at World Heritage Sites: a Practical
Manual for World Heritage Site Managers by Arthur Pederson (2002) [123];
Cultural heritage and related issues - General terms and definitions of the
Department of Cultural Heritage (2014) [16]...
1.1.2. Research on the organizational structures and human resources
for heritage protection
Studies related to this content can include some typical works: World
Heritage Management in Viet Nam (through the case of Hue Ancient Capital
and Hoi An Ancient Town) by Trinh Ngoc Chung (2016) [14]; Management of
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty heritage site, Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa
province by author Nguyen Ba Linh (2019) [54]; Training high-quality human
resources in the field of cultural heritage in Viet Nam by Le Thi Thu Hien
(2021) [33]...
1.1.3. Research on practical status of management, conservation and
promotion of World Heritage
Regarding this content, the following typical works can be mentioned: Hoi
An Cultural Heritage - Looking back over a quarter of a century of conservation
in urban development by author Hoang Dao Kinh (2009) [50]; Some issues on
restoration and rehabilitation of historical and cultural relics of author Luu Tran
Tieu (2012) [75]; Conservation of tangible cultural heritage Thang Long - Ha

Noi, methodological issues of author Nguyen Chi Ben (2005) [8]; Comprehensive
and sustainable conservation of Hue cultural heritage by author Nguyen The
Hung (2013) [43]; Some thoughts on the preservation of Hue cultural heritage by
Phung Phu (2010) [60]; Current status and orientation of research and


6
application of science and technology to preserve the heritage of Hue ancient
capital by author Phan Thanh Hai (2017) [31]...
Researches on the values and contribution of heritage can include the
following typical works: Preserving and promoting the value of World
Cultural and Natural Heritages for development in our country by author
Nguyen Quoc Hung (2006) [35]; Geographical basis for community-based
tourism development in World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam (case study of Ha
Long Bay and Hoi An Ancient Town) by Chu Thanh Huy (2017) [47]; Cultural
heritage management and tourism development in Hoi An ancient town,
Quang Nam province by Nguyen Thi Thu Ha (2016) [29]...
1.1.4. Research on conservation of cultural heritage associated with
sustainable development
Hue with its efforts to establish and maintain a dynamic harmony/balance
between conservation and sustainable development in the spirit of the UNESCO
Convention by Dang Van Bai (2016) [5]; Cultural heritage, an important factor in
sustainable development by author Nguyen Quoc Hung (2018) [41]; World
Heritage and Sustainable Development - New Directions in World Heritage
Management edited by William Logan and Peter Bille Larsen, a collection of
articles by many researchers from the World Heritage and Sustainable Development
Policy of UNESCO under Different Aspects (2018) [117], Approaching Human
Rights at the World Heritage Committee: Capturing Situated Conversations,
Complexity, and Dynamism in Global Heritage Processes by authors Peter
Bille Larsen and Buckley (2018) [113]...

1.1.5. General remarks on the research situation
- Studies by international organizations: UNESCO, ICOMOS, IUCN,
ICCROM and international scholars with a number of related research papers
have mentioned how to manage World Heritage to provide knowledge and
support only focused guidance on the implementation of the Convention;
propose policies on integrating UNESCO's vision of sustainable development
into the processes of the World Heritage Convention; experience in tourism
management, risk and disaster management at World Heritage sites.
- Studies on World Heritage management in Viet Nam are published at
many levels and approached from many different angles: from articles in
specialized journals, topics, theses, discussing the importance of cultural
heritage in general, World Heritage in particular; issues of protection and
sustainable development of cultural heritage values, rational exploitation of the
values of World Heritage; the relationship between the management of cultural
heritage, World Heritages with tourism development, community-based tourism
development; orientation for consolidating and improving management
efficiency, enhancing the role of World Heritage Management Boards in Viet


7
Nam; perfecting the legal framework and tools for managing cultural heritage,
World Heritages (Regulations, Planning, Management Plan).
However, the above studies have not yet covered a number of issues
about the current status of World Heritage management in Viet Nam under the
Convention, reflected in a number of aspects as follows:
- National and international research works have not compared and
contrasted the provisions of the Convention and the Operational Guidelines for
the implementation of the Convention with the legal provisions on cultural
heritage and other relevant laws of Viet Nam to identify the extent of the impact
of the Convention on the legal system of Vietnam. The above studies also have

not assessed the application of the Convention to World Heritage management
practice in Viet Nam in order to provide a complete system of research on the
management of World Heritage in Viet Nam on the basis of approaching the
provisions of the Convention. Therefore, it is necessary to have an in-depth
study, placing the Convention as a main research object to apply to the practice
of World Heritage management in Viet Nam.
- Research works in the country have not considered World Heritage in
an overall management process from the formulation and implementation of
the Management Plan and monitoring activities to protect and promote the
values of World Heritage; little attention has been paid to the identification of
risks affecting the heritage in order to propose specific mechanisms, policies,
solutions and actions to protect the original elements that create Outstanding
Universal Values, integrity, authenticity of the World Heritages.
1.2. Theoretical basis
1.2.1. Some concepts
Basic concepts include: cultural heritage; World Heritage Site;
Outstanding Universal Values; Integrity; Authenticity; World Heritage
Management Plan; Planning for preservation, renovation and restoration of
monuments; Heritage management.
1.2.2. Sustainable development perspective
On 19 November 2015, the 20th General Assembly of the States Parties
to the World Heritage Convention adopted the “Policy on the integration of a
sustainable development perspective into the processes of the World Heritage
Convention”. Achieving sustainable development is recognized as dependent
on three overarching principles and four basic groups of factors: the
overarching principles of human rights, equality and long-term sustainability;
The four basic elements of environmental sustainability, Inclusive social
development, Inclusive economic development, Peace and security.

8
1.2.3. Contents of World Heritage Management in Viet Nam
To provide the content of World Heritage management in Viet Nam, the
dissertation is based on the provisions of the World Heritage Convention and
specific guidelines for the implementation of the Convention.
* World Heritage Convention: adopted at the 17th Session of the
UNESCO General Assembly in Paris on November 16, 1972. From its
inception in 1972 until now, the Convention has remained unchanged with
eight chapters, 38 Articles, addressing many important issues on World
Heritage. Although it does not directly refer to World Heritage management,
in some Articles of the Convention, such as Articles 4, 5, 7, 27 and 29, there
are tasks that each country must perform.
* Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage
Convention: The Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the
Convention are regularly revised and supplemented to update new decisions of
the World Heritage Committee and detail and concretize those decisions, in
order to assist Member States in the implementation of the Convention. The
Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention were first
adopted on 30 June 1977 and have since been supplemented and changed 26
times. The contents related to World Heritage management are specified in
more detail in Articles 96 - 118bis, 132 and Annex 5 of the Operational
Guidelines for the Implementation of the Convention.
From the above contents, the dissertation identifies the management of
World Heritage in Viet Nam including the following contents: 1/ Building the
organizational structures and human resources for World Heritage management;
2/ Formulating and promulgating legal documents on World Heritage; 3/ Develop
a Management Plan, Planning and investment of financial resources for World
Heritage; 4/ Scientific and technical research activities. 5/ International
cooperation. 6/ Monitoring World Heritage.
1.3. Overview of World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam

1.3.1. Complex of Hue Monuments (Thua Thien Hue Province)
At the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee in 1993, the Complex of
Hue Monuments was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, according
to criterion (iv).
1.3.2. Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam Province)
At the 23rd session of the World Heritage Committee in 1999, Hoi An
Ancient Town was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to
two criteria: (ii) and (v).
1.3.3. My Son (Quang Nam province)
At the 23rd session of the World Heritage Committee in 1999, My Son
was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to two
criteria: (ii) and (iii).


9
1.3.4. Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi
(Ha Noi City)
At the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2010, the Central
Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi was recognized by
UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to three criteria: (ii), (iii) and (vi).
1.3.5. Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (Thanh Hoa Province)
At the 35th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2011, Citadel of
the Ho Dynasty was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
according to two criteria: (ii) and (iv).
1.3.6. Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh Province)
At the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee in 1994, Ha Long
Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for the first time
(criteria vii) and in 2000, at the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee
it was recognized for the second time (criterion viii).
1.3.7. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh province)

At the 27th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2003, Phong
Nha - Ke Bang National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site for the first time (criteria viii) and in 2015, at the 39th session of
the World Heritage Committee it was recognized for the second time (criteria
ix and x).
1.3.8. Trang An Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh Province)
At the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2014, Trang An
Landscape Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a mixed World Heritage
Site according to three criteria: (v), (vii) and (viii).
1.3.9. Some general remarks on World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam
Each World Heritage Site in Viet Nam has its own characteristics from the
history of formation and development, scale, and criteria that create Outstanding
Universal Values of the heritage. However, in general, World Heritage Sites in
Viet Nam also have common characteristics. Most of the World Heritage Sites in
Viet Nam are ancient capitals or are related to ancient trading ports, old quarters
and religious sites, so they themselves have a mixture of natural and man-made
elements. These are real proofs of the ability of the Vietnamese ethnic
communities in making use of, exploiting and adapting natural conditions to
create cultural heritages of Outstanding Universal Value. At the same time, the
World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam are also proofs of our country's ability to
"localize", "mix"/integrate the quintessence of human culture to create cultural
identities of the nation, and at the same time make a worthy contribution to the


10
diversity in the treasure of human cultural heritage of the mankind. In addition, a
number of World Heritage Sites related to natural heritage, having characteristics
of biodiversity, geology, geomorphology and aesthetic values, have a large area.
Especially, there are also the existence of forests with outstanding biodiversity
value for the planet, plays an important role in climate regulation.

Chapter conclusion
Management of cultural heritage in general, World Heritages in
particular has been paid attention to by many researchers and approached from
many different angles. Such studies can be systematized according to research
directions, such as: policies, principles, and orientations for World Heritage
management; organizational structures and human resources to protect World
Heritage; status of management, conservation and promotion of World
Heritage; World Heritage associated with sustainable development. These
studies are an important source of material for the PhD student to refer to and
inherit for the purpose of the dissertation study.
On the theoretical basis of the dissertation, on the basis of a system of
sources of materials and practice, the PhD student has chosen the approach
from the perspective of the Convention and the guiding documents for the
implementation of the Convention, UNESCO's Sustainable Development and
viewpoints of the Vietnamese Government on the management of cultural
heritage to solve the problems raised by the dissertation. At the same time, the
contents of the theoretical framework of the thesis is also determined. The
basic concepts related to the dissertation have also been analyzed and
systematized such as World Heritage, management, sustainable development...
Viet Nam joined the Convention since 1987, whereby a number of
monuments and scenic spots of typical values have been selected by the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to submit to UNESCO for inclusion
in the Tentative List and prepare a nomination dossier. Currently, there are 08
heritages recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage.
Chapter 2
STATUS OF WORLD CULTURAL AND
NATURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT IN VIET NAM
UNDER THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION
2.1. Management subjects and management mechanism
2.1.1. Management subjects

* Subjects of state management:
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible to the
Government for performing the unified state management of World Heritage.


11
- Provincial People's Committees are responsible to the Prime Minister
for organizing the protection and management of World Heritage in their
respective localities.
- The Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism/Departments of
Culture and Sports performs the following main tasks: Advising the
promulgation of mechanisms and policies on the management of World
Heritage; Coordinate inventories, make scientific records to manage and
protect relics, landscapes and intangible cultural heritage at World Heritage.
- People's Committees of districts and commune level where the World
Heritage Site is located: coordinate with functional agencies and organizarions
in inspecting and supervising the observance of legal provisions at World
Heritage; ensure security and order; prevent encroachment, maintain hygiene,
environment and landscape... heritage in the area under management.
* Direct management agencies of World Heritages:
They are World Heritage Management Boards, includings: Hue Monuments
Conservation Center, Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, Ha
Long Bay Management Board, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management
Board, Ho Citadel Heritage Conservation Centre, Trang An Landscape Complex
Management Board, Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and
Preservation and The Management Board of My Son Cultural Heritage. These
are the agencies tasked with direct management of World Heritage Sites
(specifically stated in Section 2.2.1).
* Coordinating management subjects:
The agencies coordinating the management of World Heritage in Viet

Nam include international organizations, national agencies and organizations
at the central and local levels, the community, domestic and foreign research
and consulting agencies with the different roles.
2.1.2. Coordinating mechanism
With the common goal of protecting the Outstanding Universal Values of
World Heritage, currently the coordination mechanism between the parties
involved in World Heritage management in Viet Nam is both vertical (from top
to bottom, bottom to top) and horizontal (agencies, units of the same level).
2.2. Management activities
2.2.1. Organizational structures and human resources for World
Heritage management
In this dissertation, in addition to understanding the subjects of heritage
management to ensure systematicity, the PhD student mainly discusses the
construction of the organizational structures and human resources of the agencies
directly managing the heritage - the World Heritage Management Boards.
- Organizational structures and functions and tasks of the World Heritage
Management Boards:


12
The direct management agency of World Heritage in Viet Nam is the
World Heritage Management Board. Currently, at World Heritage sites in Viet
Nam, there is a Management Board or a World Heritage Management Center.
After being inscribed on the World Heritage List, the Boards/Centers are
consolidated to ensure the task of protecting and managing World Heritage.
Currently, the World Heritage Management Boards/Centers are
established under three different models: the first one is the management
agency under the People's Committees of the centrally-run provinces and
cities; the second one is the management model directly under the Department
level of the centrally-run provinces and cities; the third is the management

model directly under the district level, the city belongs to the province.
Besides, even within a World Heritage site, there is division, and it is under
the supervision of many different management units.
The functions and tasks of the World Heritage Management Boards are
quite diverse, in which the main focus is on the conservation and promotion of
heritage. However, in reality, if we compare the functions and tasks of the
current World Heritage Management Boards with the provisions of Decree
No. 109/2017/ND-CP dated September 21, 2017 of the Government on
protection and management of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in
Viet Nam, shows that some World Heritage Management Boards still lack
functional parts to ensure the implementation of the task of protecting and
promoting the values of World Heritage. At the same time, the World Heritage
Management Boards are public non-business units with no state management
function, so they cannot directly handle administrative measures to promptly
handle acts of infringing upon the heritage.
- Human resources of World Heritage Management Boards:
Since being recognized as a World Heritage Site, the number of human
resources in the World Heritage Management Boards has increased
significantly compared to the initial establishment. The quality has also been
significantly improved, reflected in the training level and professional capacity
of the resources in the World Heritage Management Boards. However, in
reality, human resources still have some limitations that do not meet the
current task requirements.
2.2.2. Developing and promulgating legal documents on World
Heritage management
* Legal documents of the National Assembly, the Government and the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism:
In Viet Nam, the development and promulgation of a system of legal
documents on cultural heritage in general, monuments, scenic spots, and
World Heritage in particular are increasingly concerned with perfection, with

the density of amendments and supplements over a period of time increasingly


13
shorter than the period before the Law on Cultural Heritage 2001. From 2001
to present, the influence of the Convention, its Operational Guidelines and
UNESCO's perspective on sustainable development on the system of legal
documents on cultural heritage is increasingly clear.
In addition to legal documents regulating cultural heritage in general,
World Heritage in particular, the management of World Heritage is also
governed by legal documents on investment, construction, environment,etc.
These legal documents have separate regulations, with the general purpose of
protecting the values of the heritage. However, in practice, a number of
provisions of these related documents have revealed some shortcomings,
creating overlaps in heritage management. Besides, most of the legal provisions
on cultural heritage in general, World Heritage in particular have not or very
few specific regulations on promoting the values of World Heritage.
* Local legal documents
On the basis of the provisions and guidelines of the Convention, the
Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention and legal
documents at the central levels, the local governments where the World
Heritage is located, have issued regulations on protection, management and
promotion World Heritage values in accordance with local practices.
* Comparison of regulations on World Heritage management under the
World Heritage Convention and Vietnamese law
Over the past two decades, we have both studied the contents of the
Convention and regularly updated the Operational Guidelines for the
implementation of the Convention and UNESCO's new perspectives on World
Heritage management to apply in practice in our country. So far, we have
basically fully implemented the contents according to UNESCO's regulations

on World Heritage management.
2.2.3. Developing Management Plans, Planning and investing financial
resources for World Heritage
2.2.3.1. Develop a Management Plan
Up to now, all World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam have a Management
Plan approved by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. The
implementation in practice is still facing many difficulties, inadequacies and
has not yet brought about high efficiency.
2.2.3.2. Develop Planning
To date, all World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam have a Master Plan
approved by the Prime Minister. The content of the Planning is prescribed in
Decree No. 109/2017/ND-CP and Decree No. 166/2018/ND-CP. Like the
Management Plan, the implementation of the Planning in practice still faces
many difficulties, inadequacies and has not yet brought about high efficiency.


14
2.2.3.3. Invest financial resources
Data on the investment of financial resources for World Heritage Sites in
Viet Nam by year in the 2016-2020 period of World Heritage Sites show that
there are two main expenditures: investment costs for restoration and
embellishment projects created at the World Heritage Site and costs for the
regular operation of the World Heritage Management Boards. Regarding the
total cost used by World Heritage Sites in Viet Nam in the period of 2016 2020, there is a large difference between World Heritage Sites and a
decreasing trend.
Currently, in terms of the ratio of cost sources used for World Heritage
Sites in Viet Nam, there are different sources (support from the central,
provincial and district levels; revenue from entrance tickets, tourism services;
international funding sources…) and there is a difference between World
Heritage Sites.

According to the assessment of the World Heritage Management Boards,
the current funding basically covers the management and a part of
conservation activities at World Heritage sites (except Citadel of the Ho
Dynasty) in the medium term, however in the long term it is necessary to be
supplemented with additional funds in order to more fully meet the needs of
sustainable management and protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of
World Heritage Sites.
2.2.4. Scientific and technical research activities
Over the years, scientific and technical research activities on World
Heritage have been conducted in various forms such as: scientific and
technical research topics, programs and projects; seminars, conferences, talks;
research, write articles and publish through scientific publications and
journals; research and apply scientific and technical results into practice
through conservation and promotion projects of World Heritage.
2.2.5. International cooperation
Currently, international cooperation activities in the field of World
Heritage are shown through: Joining UNESCO organizations; Activities to seek
funding sources from international organizations; Training activities to improve
human resources; Consulting activities on building heritage nomination dossiers
and advising on management and conservation of World Heritage.
2.2.6. World Heritage Monitoring
2.2.6.1. Monitoring by UNESCO
UNESCO's monitoring activities are in two forms: regular monitoring
and periodic monitoring.
2.2.6.2. Domestic monitoring
Monitoring in the country through two-way supervision: top-down and
bottom-up (from central to provinces, cities, World Heritage Management


15

Boards and communities, stakeholders and vice versa from the community up
to central authorities).
2.3. Evaluate
2.3.1. Evaluate management performance
* Advantages
- The organizational structure and human resources for the management of
World Heritage in Viet Nam from the central to local levels have been built,
consolidated and increasingly perfected. Human resources at the World Heritage
Management Boards are constantly being improved in quantity and quality.
- The development and promulgation of legal documents in Viet Nam on
cultural heritage in general and World Heritage in particular from the central to local
levels increasingly closer to the Convention, its Operational Guidelines and the
sustainable development goals of UNESCO.
- In recent years, the development and implementation of Management
Plans, Planning and investment, financial support at World Heritage Sites in
Viet Nam has received more and more attention.
- International cooperation activities in the field of World Heritage with
UNESCO, international organizations and different countries in the world are
diverse, achieving positive results.
- Cultural heritage in general, World Heritage in Viet Nam in particular,
with its potential values, has increasingly made significant contributions
(directly or indirectly) on various aspects of economic development,
environmental balance/protection, social justice, consolidation of peace and
security in the direction of sustainable development for Viet Nam and the world.
- Monitoring activities of World Heritage in Viet Nam over the years
have made an important contribution to the conservation and promotion of
heritages. World Heritage sites are monitored according to the regulations of
UNESCO and Viet Nam.
* Limitations:
- The management model and decentralization for the World Heritage

Management Boards in Viet Nam are still different. Human resources in some
specialized fields have not yet met the requirements set forth.
- In practice, there are always new situations, according to which, the
system of legal documents related to cultural heritage in general, World
Heritage in particular is still slow to be amended and supplemented compared
to reality.
- The number of scientific and technical research programs, topics and
projects is still small; The application of research results into practice is still slow.
- Currently, all World Heritage Sites have Management Plans and Master
Plans, but the implementation is still slow compared to the requirements set


16
forth; Investment funds for protection, renovation and restoration activities at
the World Heritage Site are not guaranteed in the long run.
- International cooperation activities are still limited in the lack of
initiative in proposing and implementing cooperation activities with UNESCO
and different countries in the world.
- Monitoring activities of World Heritage in Viet Nam still have some
shortcomings such as information on indicators, risks of impacts and original
factors that create Outstanding Universal Values of World Heritage has not yet
fully been published, a monitoring toolkit suitable to the actual situation in
Viet Nam has not yet been published.
* Causes of limitations (Objective causes and subjective causes):
- Objective reasons:
+ Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention and
UNESCO's guidelines and policies on World Heritage management are
regularly supplemented and updated.
+ Other issues such as urbanization, rapid tourism development and
population growth, climate change... have increasingly affected the

management of World Heritage in Viet Nam.
- Subjective reasons:
+ The awareness of the whole society about the role, importance and
values of cultural heritage in general, World Heritage in particular is still
incomplete.
+ Roles, responsibilities, coordination mechanisms to protect and manage
World Heritage Sites of some World Heritage Management Boards and
related agencies are still unclear, unspecific, and overlapped.
+ Funds and policies on mobilizing resources for investment in
restoration, embellishment and restoration at World Heritage are still lacking.
+ Confusion in harmoniously handling of the relationship between
conservation and development; between economy and culture, between
immediate benefits and sustainable development goals.
2.3.2. SWOT Assessment in World Heritage management in Vietnam
Through studying the current status of World Heritage management in Viet
Nam and identifying the above-mentioned advantages and limitations, the
dissertation synthesizes and evaluates the effectiveness of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam according to the SWOT model (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats). These will be important bases for the dissertation to
point out the weaknesses and challenges for the management of these World
Heritage Sites, thereby identifying solutions to overcome accordingly.


17
2.3.3. Assessment of meeting sustainable development goals
With its potential values, World Heritage has been making significant
contributions (directly or indirectly) in various aspects such as: Environmental
sustainability; Sustainable social development; Sustainable economic
development; Enhance peace and security.
Chapter conclusion

In this chapter, the dissertation has approached and assessed the current
status of World Heritage management in Viet Nam in the spirit of the
Convention, Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the
Convention, UNESCO's perspective on sustainable development and the laws
of Viet Nam, thereby showing that, in addition to the achieved results, the
management of World Heritage in Viet Nam in recent years still has
limitations and shortcomings in some specific aspects, on that basis, clarifying
objective and subjective causes affecting the influence on the current status of
World Heritage management in Viet Nam, and at the same time, conduct a
SWOT assessment of the effectiveness of World Heritage management in Viet
Nam today, and evaluate the management of World Heritage in Viet Nam in
meeting the Sustainable Development Goals in various specific aspects.
Chapter 3
SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF
THE MANAGEMENT OF WORLD CULTURAL AND
NATURAL HERITAGES IN VIET NAM IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION
3.1. Orientations in the management of World Heritage
3.1.1. UNESCO's Orientation
The orientations of UNESCO in the management of World Heritage are
expressed through the following contents: World Heritage in Young Hands;
Recommendation on the historic urban landscapes; The impact of climate
change on World Heritage and other related issues was raised by the World
Heritage Committee in the Fuzhou Declaration at its 44th Session in 2021.
3.1.2. Orientation of Viet Nam
The orientations of Vietnam are expressed through the following
contents: studying and implementing UNESCO's views and recommendations,
promulgating guidelines and policies in line with reality on protection and
promotion of World Heritage values in Viet Nam such as Resolution No.33-

18
NQ/TW dated June 9, 2014 of the 9th Plenum of the Party Central Committee,
11th Tenure on “Building and developing Vietnamese culture and people
meeting the demand for national sustainable development”, National action
plan to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development...
3.2. Experiences of some countries on World Heritage management
3.2.1. Korean management experience at World Natural Heritage Jeju
Volcanic Island and lava tubes
3.2.2. China's management experience at the World Cultural Heritage
Archaeological Site of Liangzhou City
3.2.3. Japanese management experience at the World Cultural
Heritage Site of the Mozu-Furuichi Tomb Site
3.2.4. India's Management Experience at the World Cultural Heritage
of the Historic City of Ahmadabad
3.2.5. The Italian management experience at the World Cultural
Heritage of Venice and its Lagoon
3.2.6. Management experience of the Federal Republic of Germany at
the World Cultural Heritage Town of Bamberg
3.2.7. Some international experiences for the management of World
Heritage in Viet Nam
3.3. Solutions to improve the efficiency of World Heritage management in
Viet Nam
3.3.1. Completing the system of legal documents on World Heritage
3.3.2. Consolidate the entire World Heritage management system, improve
the quality of human resources
3.3.3. Improve the capacity to implement the Management Plan, Planning
and increase the investment of financial resources
3.3.4. Strengthening scientific and technical research activities and
technology application

3.3.5. Expanding international cooperation
3.3.6. Strengthen the integration of activities to protect and promote World
Heritage values in association with the sustainable development perspective of
UNESCO
3.3.7. Developing a toolkit to monitor the status of World Heritage
conservation
Chapter conclusion
In this chapter, the dissertation has researched and synthesized the main
orientations of UNESCO and of Viet Nam and the experience of some countries on


19
World Heritage management, and at the same time, the dissertation has proposed
some solutions to improve efficiency of management of World Heritage in Viet
Nam in the coming time.
CONCLUSION
UNESCO was established in 1945, in which one of the main priority areas
of activity was the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritages. The
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO all carry in themselves
"Outstanding Universal Values", to which all countries are aware of and share
and are one of the foundations of mankind development and the path to bring
peoples and nations closer together. The World Heritage Convention, approved
by UNESCO in 1972, is the only Convention that combines the protection of
cultural heritage and natural heritage, with the most profound effects, studied
and applied by member countries in the protection and management of World
Heritage in their countries. Since its inception, although the content of the
Convention has not changed, the Operational Guidelines for the implementation
of the World Heritage Convention has been regularly revised and supplemented
to update the new visions of UNESCO and later detail and concretize those
views, to assist member states in implementing the Convention. Especially, in

2015, UNESCO promulgated the Policy on World Heritage and sustainable
development in line with sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
Starting from the research purpose, we propose a number of scientific
orientations to improve the efficiency of World Heritage management in Viet
Nam, which are close to/in line with the contents of the Convention, the
Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention and the
Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable Development of UNESCO, from
the research results, the dissertation makes some conclusions as follows:
1. The research on World Heritage management under the World
Heritage Convention by international organizations and scholars has
been carried out in many aspects. In Viet Nam, with the attention of the
Party, State and people across the country for many years, we have made
great efforts to implement many conservation activities, create
sustainability for heritages, proceeding to submitting dossiers UNESCO
for the recognition of 08 World Heritage Sites. However, studies on the
management of World Heritage in Viet Nam under the World Heritage
Convention, especially in association with UNESCO's Sustainable
Development Goals, are still few.
Viet Nam joined the Convention since 1987, under which a number of
monuments and scenic spots of typical values have been selected by the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, submitted to the Prime Minister for
permission, and submitted to UNESCO for inclusion on the Tentative List,


20
and implemented nomination dossiers. So far, there have been 08 heritages
recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage, including: Complex of Hue
Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son, the Central Citadel of Thang
Long - Ha Noi, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha - Ke
Bang National Park and Trang An Landscape Complex. This is the result of

decades of efforts to preserve the heritage with special attention of our State
since the country's new independence was marked by the historic milestone of
November 23, 1945, when The President of the Provisional Government Ho Chi
Minh signed Decree No. 65/SL, which clearly stated: "The preservation of
ancient relics is very necessary in the construction of Viet Nam". Next, it is the
conservation of the country's cultural heritage through research activities,
making records to rank the relics and scenic spots in the country and placing
them under the protection of the law, at the same time, the implementation of
conservation, preservation, embellishment and restoration activities are
indispensable preparation steps to create sustainability for these heritages in the
face of the destruction of time, war and the other dangers that affect them,
proceeding to compile a scientific dossier to nominate UNESCO for inclusion in
the World Heritage List.
Studies show that the management of cultural heritage in general, World
Heritage in particular has been paid attention to and approached by many
researchers from many different angles. Such studies can be systematized
according to research directions, such as: policies, principles, and orientations
for World Heritage management; organizational structures and human
resources to protect World Heritage; status of management, conservation and
promotion of World Heritage; World Heritage in the association with
sustainable development. These studies are an important source of materials
for the PhD student to refer to and inherit for the purpose of the dissertation.
Continuing to study the situation, thereby proposing solutions to improve
the efficiency of World Heritage management, as a reference for managers,
practitioners, and policy makers in the process of adjusting World Heritage
management policies and strategies with the goal of continuing to strengthen
and sustainably protect the typical World Heritage Sites of the country in
association with UNESCO's perspective on sustainable development, and to
fulfill Viet Nam's international obligations in the spirit of the World Heritage
Convention, is the task that the dissertation should aim at.

2. The management of World Heritage in Viet Nam has increasingly
approached the World Heritage Convention, however, there are still
certain limitations and inadequacies in practical activities, it is necessary
to have solutions to improve efficiency management to apply in
management practice, towards the Sustainable Development Goals of
UNESCO in the coming time.


21
Researching the current status of World Heritage management in Viet
Nam according to the Convention, the Operational Guidelines for the
implementation of the Convention, UNESCO's perspective on sustainable
development and Viet Nam's laws on aspects of World Heritage management,
we can find advantages, limitations and disadvantages:
The organizational structure and human resources for World Heritage
management in Viet Nam from the central to local levels have been built,
consolidated and increasingly perfected, besides, the coordination cooperation
between stakeholders is closer. However, the management model and
decentralization for World Heritage Management Boards in Viet Nam are still
different, there are no similarities in the core functions and tasks, leading to a
significant difference in the ability to solve tasks. The assignment and
fulfilment of specific responsibilities to the World Heritage Management
Boards in some localities are not commensurate with the positions and roles in
World Heritage management, which has led to certain obstacles in the process
of operating and handling the work. Human resources in some specialized
fields have not yet met the requirements set forth.
The development and promulgation of legal documents in Viet Nam on
cultural heritage in general, World Heritage in particular from the central to
local levels, especially Decree No. 109/2017/ND-CP issued by the
Government in the direction of getting closer to the Convention, the

Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention and
UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals, shows that this is not only the
basis of awareness and perspectives, but also creates an important legal
corridor in the management, conservation and promotion of World Heritage
Sites in Viet Nam. However, in practice, new situations always arise,
requiring the system of legal documents related to cultural heritage in general
and World Heritage in particular to be further studied, revised and
supplemented to suit the reality.
In the past years, the construction and implementation of Management
Plans, Planning and investment, financial support at World Heritage Sites in
Viet Nam is increasingly paid attention to. However, the factors that affect and
threaten the Outstanding Universal Values of the World Heritage have been
identified, but are often paid little attention to for the overall treatment,
especially the investment funding for the operations to protect, restore and
embellish at World Heritage, responding to climate change, apply science and
technology in conservation and heritage management, and digitize the
database on World Heritage have not yet received much attention, impacting
the requirements for sustainable protection of World Heritage Sites.
Scientific and technical research activities on World Heritage in recent
years have been highly valued and promoted in various forms. However, this


22
activity still has problems such as: The number of scientific and technical
research programs, topics and projects is still small. The research and
application of research results on science and techniques into practice through
conservation and promotion projects of World Heritage is still slow, with low
efficiency.
International cooperation activities in the field of World Heritage with
UNESCO, international organizations and different countries in the world are

promoted. However, international cooperation activities still have some
limitations such as: lack of the activeness in proposing and implementing
international cooperation activities with UNESCO and different countries in
the world (especially there is a shortage of experts who are both good at
expertise and good at foreign languages to work at UNESCO and international
organizations like some countries in the region are doing).
Over the years, World Heritage monitoring activities in Viet Nam have
made an important contribution to the conservation and promotion of heritage.
However, the reality shows that heritage records and studies on World
Heritage have not yet fully published with information on indicators, risks of
impact and original factors that create Outstanding Universal Value of the
World Heritage Sites… At the same time, we have not yet come up with a set
of monitoring tools suitable to the actual situation in Viet Nam to have a basis
for monitoring the conservation status of World Heritage Sites in a timely and
effective manner.
In general, the management of World Heritage in Viet Nam in recent
years, although still limited and inadequate in some areas, has been making
important contributions to the conservation and promotion of Outstanding
Universal Values. Integrity, authenticity of the World Heritage, and at the
same time follow the trends of becoming closer to/in line with the contents of
the Convention, its Operational Guidelines and UNESCO's Policy on World
Heritage and Sustainable Development. World Heritages in Viet Nam with its
potential values have increasingly made significant contributions (directly or
indirectly) in various aspects of environmental protection, economic and
social development, and consolidation of peace towards sustainability and
security for Viet Nam and the world.
3. The challenges with cultural heritage in general, World Heritage
in particular are increasing. Therefore, to fulfill Viet Nam's international
obligations when joining the Convention, towards UNESCO's Sustainable
Development Goals, it is necessary to carry out many synchronous

solutions to improve the efficiency of World Heritage management in Viet
Nam in the coming time.
From the management status, the orientations of UNESCO and the
country, as well as the experiences from some countries around the world on


23
World Heritage management, to improve the efficiency of World Heritage
management in Viet Nam according to the Convention, in the coming time, it
is necessary to carry out synchronously many different solutions, such as:
Completing the system of legal documents on World Heritage, ensuring
consistency and limiting overlapping issues in World Heritage management,
in which, in addition to regulations on protection and promotion of World
Heritage, there should be specific regulations on support policies for
restoration, embellishment and support for communities living in the heritage;
Creating favorable conditions for production and business activities in the
World Heritage area, contributing to improving the quality of life of the
communities.
Consolidating the entire World Heritage management system, improve
the quality of human resources, further strengthen the roles, responsibilities,
and close cooperation in World Heritage protection and management between
the central and local World Heritage management agencies; Consolidate the
organizational structures, functions and tasks of the World Heritage
Management Boards according to the provisions of Decree No. 109/2017/NDCP; Continue to improve human resources for World Heritage management.
Research and upgrade Hue Monuments Conservation Centre to become a
standard unit of conservation of the Asia-Pacific region according to
UNESCO standards.
Improve the capacity to implement the Management Plan, Planning and
increase the investment of financial resources in line with the actual situation
of the country, ensuring sustainable protection of Outstanding Universal

Values, integrity, authenticity of the World Heritage.
Strengthen scientific and technical research activities and apply
technology to World Heritage management.
Expanding international cooperation in World Heritage management
activities through the good implementation of such contents as: increasing
participation in international organizations, actively participating in international
cooperation activities, continuing to nominate World Heritage Sites.
Strengthen the integration of activities to protect and promote World
Heritage values in association with UNESCO's sustainable development
perspective through environmental protection, sustainable social and economic
development, and enhancing peace and security.
Develop a monitoring toolkit on the status of World Heritage
conservation to ensure feasibility, based on reference to the monitoring