Published:  00:00 Saturday - November 22, 2008

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 recognised by UNESCO.

In a message sent to a symposium held in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 21, UNESCO made reference to the “opportunities and challenges facing Hue’s heritage in international integration”.

The symposium was held to mark the 15^th 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 historical sites and conserving hundreds of other facilities 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 advised local authorities to take appropriate protective measures to preserve the city in the wake of rapid urbanisation, and not to rapidly develop tourism in the area without undertaking a strategy of careful management and planning.