Addressing at the event, UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Susan Vize said the preservation of heritage urban areas should be integrated into economic growth to ensure its sustainable development.
She also stressed the significance of international cooperation in preserving and promoting the values of heritage urban areas.
Climate change and rising sea levels have put pressure on urban areas, especially heritage ones, she said, calling for the joint efforts of all-level authorities, specialised agencies and the private sector to preserve and promote their values.
Other delegates at the seminar discussed mechanisms and new approaches in sustainable management of heritage urban areas, and other issues regarding the work.
Dinh Van Thu, Chairman of the Quang Nam province People’s Committee, said Hoi An is an ancient town in Southeast Asia with more than 1,000 architectural works such as houses, communal houses, pagodas, temples and tombs. Thanks to its outstanding cultural values, Hoi An was recognised as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO on December 4, 1999.
Despite its achievements in preservation work, Hoi An is facing new challenges caused by climate change and rising sea levels, along with the threat of fire ,due to the overload of services, pressures of overpopulation and the impacts of urbanisation.
Doctor Chuk Chumno from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism underlined the importance of heritage tourism, as well as the need to maintain sustainable development in cultural tourism.
