Even though the Ho Dynasty Citadel was recognised as a world cultural heritage site since 2011, several areas are still being cultivated by local farmers.
A view of the Ho Dynasty Citadel
A recent report by the Ho Dynasty Citadel’s Heritage Preservation Centre showed that local authorities and the site managers are facing several difficulties in the preservation process.
While the Law on Cultural Heritage and the site’s management regulations stipulate that the core area must be strictly protected, some local households within the area have built and even upgraded their homes.
The situation has hindered management of the site despite great efforts made by local authorities and the site managers to increase awareness among residents.
The Thanh Noi area, which covers 142 hectares, is still under the direct management of local authorities. Residents there are still farming and building houses in areas that should be under special protection, affecting what can be saved of the architecture in the area.
Nguyen Xuan Toan, Deputy Director of the centre said, “Agricultural cultivation within the specially protected area has affected underground architecture at the site. We’ve reported the situation to relevant authorities for several times but the situation has yet to improve.”
The centre is under the management of the Thanh Hoa provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. When they detected any infringement of the site, they do not have the authority to apply punishments but have to wait for a solution from relevant authorities. In several cases, their proposals were neglected.
Associate Prof and Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung who is Deputy Director f the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Cultural Heritage Department said that management and preservation at the site would not be improved unless the authority of the site’s management board is enhanced.
The Ho Dynasty Citadel was built by stone at the end of the 14th century. It is still perpetual by the time and is considered an eternal evidence for a majestic period of Vietnam’s history.
Đăng ký: VietNam News