UNESCO to assist preservation of Hue world heritage site

UNESCO has stated its willingness to continue assisting Vietnam in preserving the tangible and intangible values of Hue imperial city, one of the world cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.In a message sent to a symposium held in Thua Thien-Hue on Nov. 21, 2008 UNESCO made reference to the “opportunities and challenges facing Hue’s heritage in international integration”.The symposium was held to mark the 15th anniversary of Hue imperial city’s recognition as a world cultural heritage site, and the fifth year of Hue Court Music’s recognition as one of mankind’s oral and intangible heritages. Over the past 15 years, local authorities and cultural officials have worked together to protect and preserve Hue imperial city, restoring almost 100 historic sites and conserving hundreds of other facilities in the city.These efforts have helped reveal Hue imperial city’s beauty at a number of special events, particularly the Hue festival, which is held every two years, making it a major attraction to those who want to invest in the city. Being listed on the “heritage road” connecting the tourist sites of Hoi An, My Son and Hue city with Phong Nha and Ke Bang, and situated on the “East-West Economic Corridor” linking Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Hue has become one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Vietnam.However, UNESCO officials reminded local authorities of the need to encourage the transfer of preservation work between the generations of Hue residents to prevent any harmful effects diminishing Hue’s vitality.They also made a number of recommendations to the local administration, suggesting that they take appropriate protective measures to preserve the city in the wake of rapid urbanization, and advising them not to rapidly develop tourism in the area without undertaking a strategy of careful management and planning.