Decree No. 109/2017/ND-CP stipulates on the protection and management of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in Vietnam.

DECREE

REGULATIONS ON THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WORLD HERITAGE IN VIETNAM

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Cultural Heritage Law dated June 29, 2001 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Cultural Heritage Law dated June 18, 2009; bPursuant to the Fisheries Law dated November 26, 2003;

Pursuant to the Law on Protection and Development of Forests dated December 3, 2004;

Pursuant to the Tourism Law dated June 14, 2005;

Pursuant to the Law on Biological Diversity dated November 13, 2008;

The Government promulgates this Decree on the protection and management of World Heritage in Vietnam.

At the proposal of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

This Decree stipulates the protection and management of World Heritage in Vietnam; the responsibilities of agencies and organizations in protecting and managing World Heritage in Vietnam.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree applies to state agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the protection and management of World Heritage in Vietnam.

Article 2. Applicability

Article 1. World Heritage (hereinafter referred to as heritage) includes historical-cultural relics and scenic spots that are representative of Vietnam with outstanding universal value in culture and nature, listed in the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as UNESCO).

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are understood as follows:

Article 2. World Cultural Heritage refers to historical-cultural relics and scenic spots that are representative of Vietnam with outstanding universal cultural value, listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Article 3. World Natural Heritage refers to historical-cultural relics and scenic spots that are representative of Vietnam with outstanding universal natural value, listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Article 4. Mixed World Cultural and Natural Heritage refers to historical-cultural relics and scenic spots that are representative of Vietnam meeting the criteria for both World Cultural Heritage and World Natural Heritage, listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Article 5. Outstanding Universal Value means the expression of special cultural and natural significance of World Heritage, which is of national and international importance for present and future generations.

Article 6. Statement of Outstanding Universal Value is the affirmation by the World Heritage Committee of the value, criteria, integrity, authenticity, and sustainable management and protection of heritage, thereby enabling it to be inscribed in the World Heritage List.

Article 7. Integrity means the full expression of the original elements constituting the outstanding universal value of World Heritage.

Article 8. Authenticity means the truthful and reliable expression of the original elements creating the outstanding universal cultural value of World Heritage, helping to identify the nature, characteristics, meaning, and history of such World Heritage.

Article 9. World Heritage Area is the region containing the original elements constituting the outstanding universal value of World Heritage.

Article 10. Buffer Zone of the World Heritage Area is the surrounding or adjacent area to the World Heritage Area, serving to provide additional protection for World Heritage and being the place where activities to enhance the value of World Heritage are organized.

Article 11. Community is the collection of people living stably and permanently within the World Heritage Area and its buffer zone.

Article 12. World Heritage Management Plan is a document compiling measures to conserve the outstanding universal value of World Heritage, including specific assignment of responsibilities to all relevant entities in implementing conservation measures.

Article 13. World Heritage Protection Regulations are detailed documents specifying provisions related to conservation measures of the World Heritage Management Plan to facilitate organizations and individuals in carrying out activities within the World Heritage Area.

Article 14. World Heritage Committee is an organization elected by the General Conference of State Parties to the World Heritage Convention for a four-year term to implement the World Heritage Convention.

Article 15. World Heritage Center is an agency of UNESCO responsible for supporting and collaborating with State Parties to the World Heritage Convention, advisory bodies, and specialized divisions of UNESCO to coordinate all activities related to the management and protection of World Heritage.

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WORLD HERITAGE

Chapter II

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WORLD HERITAGE

Article 4. Protection of World Heritage Sites and Buffer Zones of World Heritage Sites

1. The World Heritage Site shall be protected in accordance with the regulations for Zone I of historical and cultural relics and scenic spots as stipulated by laws on cultural heritage.

2. The buffer zone of the World Heritage Site shall be protected in accordance with the regulations for Zone II of historical and cultural relics and scenic spots as stipulated by laws on cultural heritage.

Article 5. Periodic Monitoring Indicators for the Conservation of Original Elements of World Heritage Sites

1. Integrity and authenticity.

2. Durability of architectural works and archaeological sites.

3. Conservation and development of ecosystems, biodiversity, particularly endangered species.

4. Water quality.

5. Durability of intangible cultural heritage.

6. Other original elements constituting the outstanding universal value of World Heritage Sites that need to be monitored.

Article 6. Comprehensive Planning for World Heritage Sites

1. The Prime Minister shall consider and decide on the establishment of comprehensive planning for World Heritage Sites in accordance with the laws on planning and laws on cultural heritage.

2. In cases where the World Heritage Site simultaneously includes the World Heritage Site area and the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site as part or all of the area of national tourist zones, special-use forests, nature reserves, marine conservation areas, a single comprehensive plan for the World Heritage Site shall be established, incorporating the content between the protection of historical and cultural relics and scenic spots and the protection of tourism resources, forest resources, biodiversity, fishery resources, geological and geomorphological resources, rights and obligations of communities in accordance with the laws on planning, laws on cultural heritage, and other relevant laws.

Article 7. Principles for Establishing and Duration of Management Plans for World Heritage Sites

1. Principles for establishing management plans for World Heritage Sites:

a) Consistent with local socio-economic development strategies, cultural development strategies, forest protection and development strategies, and other related strategies;

b) Consistent with the World Heritage Site dossier submitted and retained at UNESCO and the comprehensive plan for World Heritage Sites;

c) Ensuring the integration and coordination between the protection of World Heritage Sites and environmental protection, disaster prevention and response, and climate change adaptation; harmonizing the relationship between the protection of World Heritage Sites and sustainable development;

d) Ensuring transparency, public participation of communities, agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the process of establishing management plans;

đ) Protecting national sovereignty and ensuring national defense and security;

e) Consistent with available resources and ensuring feasibility.

2. The duration of the management plan for World Heritage Sites is five years, with a vision of twenty years.

Article 8. Basic Content of Management Plans for World Heritage Sites

1. Description of World Heritage Sites

a) Individual relics, relic clusters, natural landscapes, geological features, biodiversity, and original elements constituting the outstanding universal value of World Heritage Sites;

b) Current status of the World Heritage Site area and its buffer zone;

c) Communities living within the World Heritage Site area and its buffer zone;

d) Historical, cultural, scientific, and aesthetic values of World Heritage Sites;

đ) Declaration of the outstanding universal value of World Heritage Sites recognized by the World Heritage Committee.

2. Current status of the protection and management of World Heritage Sites.

3. Objectives of the management plan for World Heritage Sites.

4. Domestic and international legal provisions related to the protection and management of World Heritage Sites; mechanisms and policies applied to the protection and management of World Heritage Sites.

5. Periodic monitoring of the conservation status of World Heritage Sites: Indicators to be monitored; monitoring cycle and time; organizations and individuals responsible for monitoring; protective measures to be implemented to prevent impacts and influences on World Heritage Sites.

6. Identification of threats to World Heritage Sites and community life to propose the establishment of protection regulations for World Heritage Sites as stipulated in Articles 12 and 13 of this Decree.

7. Rights and obligations of organizations and individuals related to the protection and management of World Heritage Sites.

8. Proposals for strengthening organizational structures and human resources of entities entrusted with managing and utilizing World Heritage Sites.

9. Proposals for tasks related to the preservation, restoration, enhancement, and promotion of the value of World Heritage Sites and funding sources for implementation.

10. The management plan for World Heritage Sites must be divided into five-year periods for review, consideration, and adjustment (if necessary) to ensure alignment with the practical protection and management of World Heritage Sites at each stage.

Article 9. Competence to establish, review, and approve management plans for World Heritage Sites

1. In cases where a World Heritage Site is located within the territory of one province or centrally governed city, the competence to establish, review, and approve management plans for World Heritage Sites shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Provincial People's Committee) or the head of the ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage Site shall be responsible for organizing the establishment and approval of the management plan for the World Heritage Site within their jurisdiction.

b) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall be responsible for reviewing the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

2. In cases where a World Heritage Site under the management of the Provincial People's Committee is located within the territory of two or more provinces, the competence to establish, review, and approve management plans for World Heritage Sites shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism decides on the selection of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee responsible for organizing the establishment of the management plan for the World Heritage Site. The Chairmen of the relevant Provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for coordinating in the establishment of the management plan for the World Heritage Site. After reaching agreement on the content of the management plan for the World Heritage Site, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall organize the establishment of the management plan for the World Heritage Site and simultaneously propose to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for review and approval of the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

b) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall be responsible for reviewing and approving the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

Article 10. Procedures for Reviewing and Approving Management Plans for World Heritage Sites

1. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the head of the ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage Site shall submit directly or through postal service one set of documents as prescribed in Clause 7 of this Article to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

2. Within ten working days from the date of receipt of valid documents, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall issue a written request, accompanied by one set of documents as prescribed in Clause 7 of this Article, requesting relevant ministries, sectors, and specialized associations to provide comments on the content of the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

In cases where the submitted documents are not valid, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall notify in writing the contents that need to be amended and supplemented to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee within five working days from the date of receiving the documents.

3. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the written request of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the documents, the relevant ministries, sectors, and specialized associations shall be responsible for providing written responses to the content of the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

4. Within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the written responses from the relevant ministries, sectors, and specialized associations, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall be responsible for reviewing the management plan for the World Heritage Site and sending a written notification of the review results to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the head of the ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage Site.

5. Within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the review results of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the head of the ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage Site shall complete the management plan for the World Heritage Site and approve it according to the competence prescribed in Point a, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Decree and report back to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

6. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the review results of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee as prescribed in Point a, Clause 2, Article 9 of this Decree shall complete the management plan for the World Heritage Site and propose to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approval according to the competence prescribed in Point b, Clause 2, Article 9 of this Decree.

7. Documents for requesting review of the management plan for the World Heritage Site include:

a) A request for review (in cases where a World Heritage Site under the management of the Provincial People's Committee is located within the territory of two or more provinces, the request must clearly state the agreement of the Chairmen of the relevant Provincial People's Committees regarding the management plan for the World Heritage Site);

b) Draft management plan for the World Heritage Site;

c) Draft Decision on Approval of the Management Plan for the World Heritage Site;

d) Summary of explanations and adoption of opinions from agencies, organizations, and local communities on the content of the management plan for the World Heritage Site.

8. The management plan for the World Heritage Site and the Decision on Approval shall be sent and kept at the following agencies and organizations:

a) World Heritage Center;

b) Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

c) National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam;

d) Provincial People's Committee or ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage Site;

đ) Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or Department of Culture and Sports where the World Heritage Site is located;

e) Organization entrusted with the management and use of the World Heritage Site.

Article 11. Adjusting the World Heritage Management Plan

1. The adjustment of the World Heritage Management Plan shall be carried out in the following cases:

a) At the request of the World Heritage Committee and the World Heritage Centre;

b) There are significant changes to the area of the World Heritage site and its buffer zone;

c) Factors or risks that may have adverse impacts on the sustainability of the World Heritage site appear.

2. The authority for establishing, reviewing, approving adjustments to the World Heritage Management Plan and the procedures for reviewing and approving such adjustments shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Articles 9 and 10 of this Decree.

Article 12. Principles for Establishing Regulations for Protecting World Heritage Sites

1. To be established based on identifying factors and risks that regularly have the potential to adversely affect the World Heritage site, thereby formulating specific regulations to protect the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage site and facilitate production and business activities, contributing to improving the quality of life for the community.

2. To comply with the provisions of relevant legal normative documents.

3. To ensure transparency and broad participation and contribution from the community, organizations, and individuals related to the process of establishment.

4. To be timely revised and supplemented during implementation to ensure appropriateness and feasibility for the protection and enhancement of the value of the World Heritage site.

Article 13. Contents of Regulations for Protecting World Heritage Sites

1. Provisions on general issues concerning:

a) Protection of the World Heritage site area;

b) Protection of the buffer zone of the World Heritage site area.

2. Provisions on specific issues concerning:

a) Preservation, restoration, and recovery of the World Heritage site;

b) Support mechanisms for restoration and renovation of heritage sites;

c) Coordination in issuing construction permits and inspection, handling violations;

d) Prevention of risks, natural disasters; natural disasters; fire, explosion;

đ) Organization of tourism visits; sustainable tourism development and tourism services;

e) Advertising activities;

g) Other important issues that need to be established as regulations for coordination and implementation in protecting the World Heritage site.

3. Specific procedures to be implemented for the provisions set forth in Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Responsibilities for coordinating the protection of the World Heritage site between the organization entrusted with managing and using the World Heritage site and related organizations at the local level and the community within the World Heritage site.

Article 14. Authority for Establishing and Approving Regulations for Protecting World Heritage Sites

1. The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or the head of the ministry or sector directly responsible for managing the World Heritage site shall be responsible for organizing the establishment of regulations for protecting the World Heritage site and approving them after considering the opinions of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant ministries, sectors, organizations, and individuals.

2. In cases where the World Heritage site falls under the management authority of the People's Committee of the province but is distributed across two or more provinces, the authority for establishing and approving regulations for protecting the World Heritage site shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism decides on the selection of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province responsible for chairing the organization of the establishment of regulations for protecting the World Heritage site. The Chairmen of the People's Committees of the relevant provinces shall be responsible for coordinating in the establishment of the regulations. After reaching agreement on the content of the regulations, the Chairman of the People's Committee responsible for chairing the establishment of the regulations shall organize it, and the Chairmen of the People's Committees of the relevant provinces shall simultaneously propose the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to approve the regulations for protecting the World Heritage site;

b) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall approve the regulations for protecting the World Heritage site distributed across two or more provinces as stipulated in this clause.

Article 15. Organizations entrusted with managing and using world heritage sites

1. Organizations entrusted with managing and using world heritage sites are those directly responsible for comprehensively protecting and preserving world heritage sites, established, reorganized, or dissolved according to the Government's regulations on establishing, reorganizing, or dissolving public service units.

2. The restructuring of organizations entrusted with managing and using world heritage sites must be based on the type, value, scale, and requirements for protecting and preserving world heritage sites; ensuring efficiency to perform all or some of the following functions: Protection; scientific research; restoration of cultural relics; conservation, restoration, and repair of artifacts; landscape renovation and environmental monitoring, water source supervision; protection of forest, aquatic, geological, and geomorphological resources; rescue, conservation, and development of biological species; forestry and fishery inspection; explanation and education; museums and libraries; artistic performance and intangible cultural heritage presentation; communication and external relations; conservation and project management consultancy; community cooperation; sustainable tourism development, services, and tourism promotion.

Article 16. Tasks of organizations entrusted with managing and using world heritage sites

1. Develop and implement short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for the protection and management of world heritage sites after approval by competent authorities.

2. Regularly monitor the preservation status of world heritage sites as stipulated in Article 5 of this Decree, promptly prevent acts that harm world heritage sites, and report to competent authorities any risks affecting the world heritage sites.

3. Implement programs, plans, and investment projects in the field of conservation, restoration, and recovery of world heritage sites.

4. Organize or collaborate in organizing promotional, exhibition, and introduction activities about world heritage sites; conduct research, collect, document, and store materials related to tangible and intangible cultural heritage for the purpose of conserving, restoring, and recovering world heritage sites; conserve, study, and collect national antiquities, ancient objects, and geological, animal, and plant specimens at world heritage sites and exhibit them outside the scope of world heritage sites; organize performances and introductions of intangible cultural heritage associated with world heritage sites.

5. Apply science and technology to protect, conserve, restore, recover, and renovate world heritage sites; preserve geological and geomorphological values and aesthetic values; conserve and develop flora and fauna systems to maintain the biodiversity value of world heritage sites; organize disaster prevention, search and rescue operations, waste collection and treatment, and protection against harmful factors to the environment and water sources at world heritage sites; contribute to improving the living standards of the community; participate in researching and proposing procedures and norms for conserving, restoring, recovering, and enhancing the value of world heritage sites.

6. Guide and explain for tourists visiting world heritage sites; organize or collaborate in organizing tourism service activities for the public to visit, study, learn, and entertain at world heritage sites; assess the impact of tourism activities on world heritage sites and propose measures to reduce negative impacts on their outstanding universal value (if any).

7. Organize ticket sales, charge fees for visits and services; manage and use revenue according to the law.

8. Develop and implement training and capacity-building plans to enhance the professional skills of civil servants, officials, and employees.

9. Promote awareness and participation of the community in the protection and management of world heritage sites.

10. Participate in managing, linking, and supervising investment activities, environmental protection, conservation, and development of biological species within world heritage sites and buffer zones; coordinate with relevant levels and sectors to inspect and supervise economic and social activities within world heritage sites and buffer zones.

11. Coordinate with relevant levels and sectors to appraise and submit to competent authorities for approval planning, projects, and programs for socio-economic development within world heritage sites and buffer zones according to current regulations; organize information dissemination, discussions, and collection of community opinions on planning, projects, and programs for socio-economic development related to world heritage sites.

12. Organize the implementation of international cooperation programs.

13. Implement regular and ad hoc reporting on the execution of tasks for the protection and management of world heritage sites to the People's Committee of the province or ministry/sector directly managing world heritage sites, the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

14. Perform other tasks assigned by competent authorities.

Article 17. Financial Sources

1. Financial sources serving the activities for protecting and managing world heritage include:

a) State budget;

b) Revenue from admission fees collected in accordance with the provisions of laws on fees and charges under the state budget;

c) Revenue from service activities at world heritage sites;

d) Sponsorship and contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals;

đ) Other legitimate financial sources.

2. The revenues mentioned in points b and c of Clause 1 of this Article, after fulfilling tax obligations as prescribed by law, shall be used to cover expenses directly related to the protection and management of world heritage sites.

Chapter III

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PROTECTING AND MANAGING WORLD HERITAGE

Article 18. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible before the Government for implementing unified state management over world heritage sites, specifically:

1. Reviewing and approving plans for managing world heritage sites and regulations for protecting world heritage sites as stipulated in Articles 9 and 14 of this Decree.

2. Reviewing tasks for overall planning of world heritage sites, overall planning of world heritage sites, proposals, projects, economic-technical reports, construction design drawings for conservation, repair, restoration, and enhancement of world heritage sites, and projects for renovation and construction of facilities outside the area of world heritage sites and buffer zones that may affect the outstanding universal value of world heritage sites according to laws on cultural heritage and relevant laws.

3. Agreeing on adjustments to the areas of world heritage sites and buffer zones thereof upon proposal by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the head of the ministry or agency directly managing world heritage sites, to be submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration and recommendation to UNESCO.

4. Directing and organizing the implementation of publicity and dissemination of legal normative documents concerning the protection and management of world heritage sites.

5. Leading and coordinating with the National Commission for UNESCO Vietnam in the following matters:

a) Resolving recommendations of the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre, and advisory bodies of the World Heritage Committee;

b) Implementing UNESCO’s policies and guidelines on world heritage globally, including world heritage in Vietnam;

c) Fulfilling responsibilities as a member of the World Heritage Committee during the term of election and as a member of UNESCO’s advisory body on world heritage;

d) Directing organizations entrusted with managing and using world heritage sites to prepare periodic reports on the implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

6. Conducting inspection and supervision of compliance with laws on the protection and management of world heritage sites; imposing administrative penalties within their authority in the field of protection and management of world heritage sites.

Article 19. Responsibilities of Ministries and Agencies Equivalent to Ministries

To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors to urge, inspect, supervise, and resolve issues arising during the implementation of this Decree.

a) Directing the implementation of state management over agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in the areas of world heritage sites and buffer zones thereof in accordance with relevant laws;

b) Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in guiding the implementation of overall planning of world heritage sites when the world heritage site includes part or all of the area of special-use forests or marine protected areas.

2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

a) Directing the implementation of state management over environmental protection, biodiversity, geology, and mineral resources in the areas of world heritage sites and buffer zones thereof in accordance with relevant laws;

b) Leading and coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to approve environmental impact assessment reports for projects implemented in the areas of world heritage sites and buffer zones thereof as prescribed by law;

c) Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in guiding the implementation of overall planning of world heritage sites when the world heritage site includes part or all of the area of natural reserves.

3. The Ministry of Construction

Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review tasks for overall planning of world heritage sites and master plans for overall planning of world heritage sites.

4. The Ministry of Planning and Investment

a) Leading and coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to balance and determine the total investment amount from the state budget for implementing overall planning of world heritage sites before submitting to the Prime Minister for approval of the overall planning of world heritage sites;

b) Leading and coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to balance and allocate funds for implementing the approved overall planning of world heritage sites, in accordance with laws on public investment and state budget;

c) Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review tasks for overall planning of world heritage sites and master plans for overall planning of world heritage sites.

5. The Ministry of Finance

a) Coordinating with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to balance and determine the total investment amount from the state budget for implementing overall planning of world heritage sites before submitting to the Prime Minister for approval of the overall planning of world heritage sites;

b) Allocating funds for constructing and implementing tasks for overall planning of world heritage sites that have been approved by the Prime Minister, in accordance with laws on the state budget;

c) Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review tasks for overall planning of world heritage sites and master plans for overall planning of world heritage sites.

6. Other ministries and agencies equivalent to ministries shall, within their respective functions and powers, coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to implement state management over world heritage sites in accordance with the law.

Article 20. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

1. Issuing and organizing the implementation of legal normative documents on the protection and management of world heritage sites within their local jurisdictions.

2. Establishing and approving plans for managing world heritage sites; drafting and approving regulations for protecting world heritage sites as stipulated in Articles 9 and 14 of this Decree.

3. Implementing overall planning of world heritage sites, management plans for world heritage sites, and regulations for protecting world heritage sites in accordance with directives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant ministries and agencies.

4. Organize the preparation of the dossier to adjust the world heritage site area and its buffer zone for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review and submit to the Prime Minister for consideration and to propose to UNESCO.

5. Direct and organize the implementation of propaganda, dissemination, inspection, and supervision of compliance with legal documents on the protection and management of world heritage sites; prevent and handle organizations and individuals who violate world heritage sites during economic and social activities within the world heritage site area and its buffer zone.

6. Manage and utilize investment funds for the protection and management of world heritage sites to ensure the objectives, effectiveness, and avoid losses; allocate revenues specified in points b and c, Clause 1, Article 17 for activities related to the protection and management of world heritage sites.

7. Mobilize resources to implement component projects under the overall planning of world heritage sites and the management plan for world heritage sites.

8. Decide on the establishment of the World Heritage Conservation Fund according to the Government's regulations on the organization and operation of social funds and charitable funds to attract sponsorship and contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals as stipulated in point d, Clause 1, Article 17 of this Decree.

9. Coordinate with central and local state management agencies regarding world heritage sites in activities of propaganda and promotion of world heritage sites.

10. Recommend competent authorities to address issues concerning systems and policies in the protection and management of world heritage sites.

11. Annually, by the end of the first quarter, submit written reports on the results of the previous year's implementation of the overall planning of world heritage sites and the management plan for world heritage sites, and propose subsequent implementation plans for the overall planning of world heritage sites and the management plan for world heritage sites to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and relevant ministries and sectors.

12. The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province shall be responsible before the Prime Minister for organizing the protection and management of world heritage sites within their jurisdiction in accordance with the law.

Article 21. Responsibilities of the National Council for Cultural Heritage

1. Advise scientific issues related to the development and implementation of the overall planning of world heritage sites and the management plan for world heritage sites at the request of the Prime Minister or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

2. Cooperate in inspecting the implementation of international commitments on the protection and management of world heritage sites when requested by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

3. Perform other tasks related to world heritage sites as prescribed in the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of the National Council for Cultural Heritage.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 22. Transitional provisions

Within three years from the date this Decree takes effect, the People's Committees of provinces, ministries, and sectors directly managing world heritage sites shall be responsible for building and approving proposals to improve the organizational structure, functions, and responsibilities of organizations currently managing and using world heritage sites in accordance with Articles 15 and 16 of this Decree.

Article 23. Effectiveness of Implementation

This Decree takes effect from November 10, 2017.

Article 24. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall guide and inspect the implementation of this Decree by relevant organizations and individuals.

2. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government-affiliated agencies, Chairmen of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO of Vietnam, Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, and organizations and individuals involved in the protection and management of world heritage sites in Vietnam shall be responsible for implementing this Decree./.