Vietnam Explores Ecosystem for Sustainable Traditional Craft Villages

Vietnam is actively seeking ways to preserve and promote its traditional craft villages, recognizing their cultural significance and potential for sustainable development. Artisans must be placed at the heart of the value chain, and local communities should be the primary stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of tourism activities for these villages to achieve sustainable growth. Cities like Da Nang are home to nearly 70 craft villages and around 3,000 craft establishments, many of which have become popular tourist attractions. In Hanoi, traditional craft villages are integrating centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary design to keep their cultural heritage relevant and competitive in modern life. Technology is also playing a crucial role. Museums across Vietnam are rethinking how heritage is preserved, presented, and experienced through 3D displays, virtual tours, AI assistants, and digital collections, opening new avenues for public engagement with the past. Ho Chi Minh City is transforming public spaces, heritage, and the arts into engines of creativity, community engagement, and sustainable development, bringing culture closer to everyday life. This reflects a growing demand for cultural enrichment amidst rapid urbanization. Provincial initiatives, such as the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourism Week in Son La province, aim to boost local economies and cultural promotion through a wide range of activities. These events showcase the rich traditional cultures of various regions. Cultural groups are also seen as vital "cultural cells" in society, connecting people with shared interests through their passion and in-depth knowledge, contributing to the maintenance of Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures. In sports, Vietnamese teams are achieving notable success internationally, including the e-sports team Secret Whales winning the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Finals 2026 and the men's national football team successfully defending their ASEAN Huyndai Cup 2026 title. These victories foster national pride and boost morale. As Vietnam and UNESCO mark 50 years of partnership, UNESCO's representative has outlined five priorities for heritage-driven development, signaling a commitment to international cooperation in preserving Vietnam's unique cultural heritage. Furthermore, environmental consciousness is growing, with campaigns like "10 billion green steps – For a sustainable Vietnam" encouraging greener habits such as saving energy, sorting waste, and planting trees, aligning economic growth with environmental protection. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.