PROMOTING CULTURAL VALUES IN ASSOCIATION WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY ENSURING - A CASE STUDY OF WORLD HERITAGES IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This research examines the role of World Heritage sites in Vietnam in driving economic growth and ensuring social security. UNESCO recognition not only enhances brand value but also serves as a powerful leverage for the "heritage economy" and tourism, generating substantial revenue for local budgets. Statistical data from Ha Long Bay, the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An, and the Trang An Landscape Complex demonstrate exponential growth in tourist arrivals and service revenues post-inscription. Beyond macro-economic benefits, heritage resources significantly improve community livelihoods and income by creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The structural economic transition from traditional agriculture and fishing to tourism services (such as boat rowing, fishing village cooperatives, and homestays) stabilizes local life equitably, particularly for women. Concurrently, heritage development drives local governments to invest in infrastructure upgrades, living environment enhancement, and sustainable cultural landscape preservation. Heritage education in schools is also promoted to build capacity and responsibility among the youth. Despite certain challenges regarding tourism carrying capacity and pollution risks, the article concludes that community-based heritage management is the key to harmoniously balancing the conservation of ancient values with flexible adaptation to modern contexts.