Solutions to preserve and develop the cultures of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands of Tay Nguyen were the focus of a seminar held in the central province of Phu Yen on May 24.
Reports presented at the seminar noted that many unique cultural characteristics in the region are being undermined, such as communal rituals and activities, traditional values and traditional crafts. The communal bond has weakened and the role of village elders is diminishing.
Addressing the event, Vu Ngoc Hoang, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education said in order to preserve the local culture, it is important to preserve forests, which are a factor of decisive significance to Tay Nguyen’s economy and culture.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the village community, which is the basis for all cultural activities of local ethnic groups, as well as these groups’ languages and scripts.
The official suggested combining tourism with the preservation of the region’s culture.
The Tay Nguyen region, which comprises five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, is said to be a land of mysterious mountains and forests with a significant population of ethnic minorities whose varied customs and lifestyles are an anthropologist's delight.
In particular, the region’s gong cultural space was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.