The conference was attended by Doan Minh Huan, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of Ninh Binh Provincial Party Committee, along with representatives from the UNESCO Office in Vietnam and domestic and international experts and scholars.
Assessing the overall framework of the research and policy impacts of the project "Converting the economic values of Trang An world heritage site in development", Dr Tran Nhat Lam Duyen, from the Faculty of Management and Creative Economics at the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Arts under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasised that the economic valuation of heritage sites plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable development policies and maximising the socio-economic benefits of cultural and natural assets.
The study evaluates both the direct and indirect contributions of heritage to tourism, local livelihoods, and regional development. At the same time, it addresses policy gaps in heritage management, providing evidence-based findings and recommendations for policymakers. The research emphasises heritage-driven sustainable development, equitable benefit distribution, and long-term conservation strategies. Additionally, it contributes to the global discourse on heritage economics by demonstrating how economic valuation can support more effective governance and investment strategies for UNESCO-recognised heritage sites.
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| Dr. Enrico Eraldo Bertacchini delivers a presentation focusing on the economic valuation of world heritage sites and positioning Trang An within the global context. |
Dr. Enrico Eraldo Bertacchini from the University of Turin, who is also Scientific Advisor at the Santagata Foundation for Cultural Economics, emphasised that Trang An is a highly interesting and unique model. The economic valuation of Trang An represents an important and high-quality study within the current global context, contributing significantly to guiding sustainable development and enhancing the socio-economic impact of world heritage sites.
During the first session, delegates presented key research findings on four main categories: value contributing to the economic significance of the Trang An World Heritage Siteincluding the diversity of natural and biological ecosystems, historical and cultural values, heritage of continuous settlement, and he expanded branding of the heritage destination.
The workshop aims to enhance awareness and promote recognition of the holistic values of the Trang An world heritage complex through in-depth research and dialogue among domestic and international experts. This forum provides an opportunity for specialists to offer insights that will guide decision-making regarding the Trang An world heritage site and its surrounding areas.
Key objectives include proposing specific recommendations and appropriate actions as well as supporting the development of the Trang An Charter on world heritage, urban planning, and sustainable development.
The conference continues on March 6 with two in-depth sessions themed: The economic aspects of world heritage - Lessons from global models and strategic directions for Trang An; and tourism economics and sustainable development scenarios for Trang An world heritage site, along with policy recommendations.
