Decision No. 1706/2001/QĐ-BVHTT Approving the Overall Plan for the Conservation and Promotion of Historical-Cultural Values and Scenic Beauty Sites until 2020

Pursuant to …;

Approving the Master Plan for the Conservation and Promotion of Historical and Cultural Values and Scenic Beauty until 2020

- Pursuant to Decree No. 81/CP dated November 8, 1993 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Culture and Information;

                                                         

THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND INFORMATION

- Pursuant to Directive No. 32/CT dated September 23, 1998 of the Prime Minister on the development planning of industries until 2010;

- Pursuant to the relevant agreements of related ministries and sectors (Ministry of Construction at Document No. 1887/BXD-KTQH dated October 12, 2000; Ministry of Planning and Investment at Document No. 6663/BKH/LĐVX dated October 27, 2000; Ministry of Finance at Document No. 4470/TC/HCSN dated October 30, 2000; General Department of Tourism at Document No. 1053/TCDL-KHĐT dated October 31, 2000; Vietnam Association of Historical Science at Document No. 31/HSH dated September 29, 2000);

- Considering the proposal of the Director of the Heritage Conservation Bureau at Document No. 563/BTBT dated October 3, 2000;

- In accordance with the proposal of the Head of the Planning Board and the Director of the Planning Department;

Approving the Master Plan for the Conservation and Promotion of Historical and Cultural Values and Scenic Beauty until 2020 with the main contents as follows:

Pursuant to …;

Article 1. I. Objectives of the Plan

- It includes archaeological sites, historical relics, architectural and artistic relics, along with all national cultural objects and intangible cultural values related to these relics.

- It includes scenic spots with historical, aesthetic, and scientific values.

II. Views on the Conservation and Promotion of Historical and Cultural Relics and Scenic Beauty

1. The conservation and promotion of historical and cultural relics and scenic beauty (hereinafter referred to as relics) must ensure the authenticity of the history of formation of the relics, not distort their inherent values and characteristics, maintain their integrity without altering their constituent elements, and preserve their originality.

2. Conservation must be linked with the promotion of tangible and intangible cultural values of the relics, with the socio-economic development of localities, and the development of related industries, especially tourism, transportation, construction, etc. The overall plan for the conservation and promotion of relics aims to establish a legal and scientific basis and create favorable conditions for the formulation of strategies and plans for socio-economic development of industries and localities.

3. Create harmony between economic development and urbanization with the protection of relics; prevent encroachment on land and construction of inappropriate structures within relic protection zones.

4. Enhance the role of state management, implement socialization of conservation activities and value promotion of relics. Mobilize domestic and foreign resources to the maximum, raise public awareness and participation in the management, conservation, and promotion of relic values.

III. Goals for the Conservation and Promotion of Relic Values until 2020

1. Long-term goals

Maintain the integrity and completeness of relics that have been and are currently ranked, preventing deterioration, loss, or destruction.

Raise awareness and promote the values of relics in educating the historical and cultural traditions and cultural heritage of the nation to the people, particularly the younger generation; introduce the distinctiveness and excellence of the cultural community of ethnic groups in Vietnam to other countries, serving as a crucial foundation for building a modern and distinctive Vietnamese culture as outlined in Resolution No. 5 of the Central Committee.

Under permissible conditions, relics should be restored and enhanced comprehensively as valuable tourism products to serve the strategic development of the tourism industry, contributing to socio-economic development.

Strengthen state management over relics and scenic spots towards broadening socialization, encouraging wide participation of the people in the protection and promotion of relics, and linking it with state management through laws.

By 2005, complete the comprehensive inventory of relics, classify them, and perfect scientific files for each relic, storing them in the national archive (database of relics) and at local levels.

2. Specific objectives

By 2010, 50% of special national relics will be invested by the State for restoration and enhancement, prioritizing those with historical revolutionary and anti-war significance; 50% of national relics will be invested for restoration and enhancement from various sources. Other relics already ranked mainly rely on contributions from the people to restore and prevent deterioration.

From 2000 to 2010, complete the construction of technical facilities for relic conservation (preservation laboratories, restoration workshops, centers for storing information about relics...).

IV. Basic Directions in Restoration, Enhancement, and Value Promotion of Relics

1. General Directions

1.1. In restoration and prevention of deterioration of relics

1.1.1. When implementing restoration and prevention of deterioration of relic structures, a project must be established based on comprehensive research, survey, and evaluation of the original values of the relics.

1.1.2. Preserve and maintain all original components of the relics by every means possible; minimize replacement, especially with new materials, and prioritize preservation, reinforcement, and restoration.

Restoration of lost relics must be based on authentic scientific documentation and only carried out when necessary. The use of durable materials to replace deteriorating ones during restoration must be carefully studied to ensure authenticity and clearly distinguished from original materials.

1.1.3. In restoration and prevention of deterioration of relics, traditional processes and techniques should be prioritized; traditional materials suitable for relics should be used. New materials and binders are primarily used for preservation and reinforcement.

1.1.4. Restoration and prevention of deterioration of relics must follow this process: Research documentation and current status surveys (including exploratory and archaeological excavations) - project establishment and technical design, budget estimation - review and approval - construction under professional supervision and maintenance of construction logs - acceptance - completion of restoration records.

1.1.4. The restoration and anti-decay work on relics must follow the following procedures: Studying documents and surveying the current status (including exploratory research and archaeological excavation) - developing the project and technical design, budget estimate - reviewing and approving - construction under the supervision of experts and maintaining a construction log - final inspection - completing the restoration documentation.

1.2. In the restoration of cultural relics

1.2.1. The restoration of cultural relics aims to create conditions for highlighting the values of the relics and restoring a harmonious landscape environment with those relics.

1.2.2. Planning tour routes and movement paths within the relic area must be consistent with the historical nature of the relics. Traditional lighting methods suitable for the relics should be used, and modern lighting systems should only be established when truly necessary, without affecting the aesthetic value of the relics.

1.2.3. Supporting structures may be constructed but must be located outside the relic protection zone, including supplementary exhibition houses, reception houses, management offices, power stations, fire prevention systems, waste collection systems. The location of these structures shall not affect the landscape of the relic area. Supplementary exhibition houses should be limited at relics. If necessary, the content of the exhibition shall be limited to events and materials directly related to the relic.

Facilities such as parking lots, boat docks, restaurants, rest areas, sanitation facilities, souvenir shops, etc., shall be arranged separately from the protected areas of the relics, shall not cause environmental pollution, and shall be in harmony with the overall landscape of the relics.

1.2.4. Monuments can be built at revolutionary historical sites to commemorate victory events through grand architectural-sculptural forms combining architectural shapes, bas-reliefs, round sculptures, flower gardens, etc. The location of monuments must be in large relic areas, placed in appropriate locations and shall not affect the original relics.

1.3. In the use and exploitation of cultural relics

The use and exploitation of cultural relics shall primarily serve the interests of the entire society.

Encourage activities using and exploiting cultural relics to promote the fine traditions of the Vietnamese ethnic community; build new cultural values, enrich the treasury of Vietnamese cultural heritage, and contribute to expanding cultural exchanges with other countries.

Encourage the use and exploitation of cultural relics to serve the cultural tourism and healthy entertainment needs of the people. Eliminate outdated customs and negative manifestations, commercialization in the use and exploitation of cultural relics.

Encourage the use of cultural relics according to their original functions. In cases where necessary, some parts of the relics may be used for other functions, but shall not alter the spatial structure or interior of the relics.

Strictly prohibit service forms that have the potential to pollute the environment, affect the scenic beauty of the relics, limit the ability to observe and appreciate the relics by visitors.

Fees for visiting and usage/exploitation fees of cultural relics must comply with general regulations. These revenues shall primarily be reinvested in the preservation and restoration of relics.

2. Specific Guidelines

2.1. For historical commemorative relics

2.1.1. The demarcation of relic protection zones must meet the requirements for preserving relics, environments, and historical landscapes, in conjunction with protecting natural forests.

As historical military relic areas often span vast territories, the protection zones must be delineated based on specific points and representative clusters of relics.

2.1.2. Preserve the original state of relics and artifacts. Restoration shall only be carried out when there are sufficient scientific bases such as photographs, drawings, written records, or witness accounts.

Prioritize the preservation of original elements such as remaining structures, personal belongings of notable figures, tunnels, trenches, war relics, and preservation of the original site to enhance the persuasiveness of historical military relics. Restoration of lost heritage components and parts of relics shall only be done based on confirmed historical evidence.

2.1.3. In necessary cases, supplementary exhibitions may be conducted within the relic area. The exhibition content shall be limited to issues directly related to the relic. Supplementary exhibition houses should utilize existing architectural structures of the relic, and if new construction is required, it shall be moderate in scale, fitting the current quantity of materials and objects.

For commemorative and historical military relics, scale models describing the entire event can be built inside the exhibition house. Use forms such as steles and monuments to record events. Limit the construction of monuments.

For prison and massacre sites commemorating enemy brutality and the tenacious fighting spirit of revolutionary soldiers and the people, vivid reenactments based on authentic documentation are needed. Documentation of both tangible and intangible heritage of the relic. Where it is not possible to record the entire relic, select and retain parts that can be marked with steles.

Commemorative houses built in the hometowns of notable figures must be linked to the original relics of the figure, and their scale should consider the overall relationship among notable figures in the locality and fit the local context. National memorial or museum houses shall not be built for individual figures.

2.1.4. Prioritize documentation work through the establishment of scientific files, films, photographic records, or recording events through steles and memorials.

2.2. For architectural-artistic relics

2.2.1. Religious and belief relics

Prioritize restoration and preservation of the original condition of the relics; any replacement of original components must be carefully considered; it can only be implemented when truly necessary and must use materials of the same quality as the original. Statues and altars must be preserved, avoiding repainting with new paint that removes the aged appearance which is a factor attracting visitors. In special cases requiring restoration, traditional technology and techniques must be applied. Maintain ancient trees within the relic area.

Do not construct supplementary exhibition houses within the relic; minimize restoration works within the relic protection zone to avoid damaging the landscape of the relic area.

2.2.2. For fortress and tomb relics

Ensure the distance between the wall and other construction works, resolutely dismantle constructions encroaching on the protected area of the relic.

Preserve the current state of the city walls, gates, and archaeological sites; reinforce damaged areas, and restore some sections of moats and gates according to the original architectural design of the relic.

2.2.3. For ancient urban relics, old town districts, palaces, residential houses, scenic gardens...

Establish a balance between cultural heritage preservation and urban development, between old urban districts and new urban areas, which can both preserve the values of the old urban district while meeting the current living conditions of residents. The architectural style and height of new constructions adjacent to the relic must harmonize with the relic.

Preserve the architectural integrity of streets and districts rich in ancient architectural values. Implement population dispersal measures, and do not construct new buildings with different architectural styles; other streets and districts should maintain representative ancient architectural structures.

Interior renovation and modern technical equipment installation (air conditioning, electricity, water...) shall not affect the original interior of the relic.

Infrastructure and service facilities in old town districts shall not disrupt the existing landscape and cause environmental pollution.

Maintain cultural traditions and urban living environments, develop tourism. Preserve and promote intangible cultural values such as customs, lifestyle, festivals, traditional crafts, culinary culture...

2.3. For scenic spots

The protection zone includes the entire landscape and environment related to the relic.

Preserve the natural and architectural values of the relic site intact; strictly prohibit the extraction of raw materials (coal, stone...) within the relic area. Plan the extraction of raw materials outside the relic area to ensure overall safety and beauty of the scenic spot, organize extraction for cultural tourism and rest purposes; implement effective measures to prevent environmental pollution and manage waste disposal.

2.4. For archaeological sites

Archaeological sites need systematic exploration and excavation according to a long-term plan. After excavation, they must be covered back to protect their condition.

For significant relics with good preservation conditions, apply technical methods and build covering structures to maintain the excavated pit as an "outdoor museum".

Construction projects within the relic area are prohibited. In cases of genuine necessity, a full excavation of the relic must be conducted before construction can proceed.

V. Main Solutions

1. Reform mechanisms, policies, and management systems for relics

1.1. Hierarchical Management of Relics

Relics are classified as follows:

- National Special Relics ranked by the Prime Minister.

- National Relics ranked by the Minister of Culture and Information.

- Provincial Relics ranked by the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally-administered city.

The relic ranking dossier is prepared by the Department of Culture and Information (World Heritage dossier is led by the Ministry of Culture and Information). Management of ranked relics:

- For World Heritage and National Special Relics, a management board may be established under the provincial People's Committee. If there are insufficient specialized staff, a National Special Relic Management Board may be established under the Department of Culture and Information or the Museum - Provincial Relic Management Board.

- For other relics, based on specific local circumstances, the following organizations may be established:

+ For relics of high value requiring high specialization, a management board may be established under the museum or the Provincial Relic Management Board.

+ For large and complex relic zones, a multi-sector management board may be established under the District or County People's Committee.

+ Religious relics are managed by temples or churches in accordance with the law.

+ Other relics are managed by the People's Committee of communes or wards upon decision.

- The Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces or centrally-administered cities approves conservation, repair, and restoration projects for relics after obtaining agreement from the Ministry of Culture and Information regarding the project, design, and restoration plans for relics directly invested by the locality.

- The Minister of Culture and Information approves projects, designs for conservation, repair, and restoration for relics directly invested by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

1.2. Regarding mechanisms and policies

Based on the Law on Cultural Heritage, establish specific regulations concerning relic preservation activities.

Develop investment policies and the use of funds obtained through relic exploitation; mechanisms to attract contributions from domestic and foreign enterprises for relic restoration and enhancement; policies for those who have contributed to relic protection and restoration... regularly conduct inspections of relics.

Upgrade the Center for Design and Restoration of Relics to become the leading agency in research on relic preservation.

The Ministry of Culture and Information will coordinate with the Ministry of Investment to consider allowing the implementation of restoration projects for Group C over multiple years (not limited to two years) and direct contracting for relics with high architectural artistic value requiring high professional expertise, regardless of the value of the contract, primarily including wooden architectural structures, Cham tower systems, archaeological sites...

Improve the review process for projects, designs, and quality management of relic restoration and enhancement. The Ministry of Culture and Information will review and approve restoration and enhancement projects and designs for national special relics regardless of funding sources and investment forms, in accordance with Decrees 52/CP and 12/CP of the Government. Other relics will be reviewed by the Bureau of Conservation and Museums and the Department of Culture and Information of the province or city before being submitted to the People's Committee of the province or city for approval.

Establish technical standards for the repair and restoration of cultural relics; a system of unit prices and norms; criteria to serve as the basis for issuing certificates to consulting organizations and contractors, technical staff, and technical personnel involved in the repair and restoration of cultural relics; promulgate regulations on the repair and restoration of cultural relics.

2. Strengthen resources for the repair and restoration of cultural relics

2.1. Implement the national target program on culture, including the goal of preserving and promoting outstanding cultural values of the nation

- Objective:

Complete the comprehensive inventory of cultural relics and establish scientific files for each relic, to be stored at the national archives and local levels.

Combat deterioration and restore historical, cultural, and scenic spots. Focus on special national relics (with a list of prioritized special national relics for investment in repair and restoration during the period from 2000 to 2010 attached).

Introduce and promote the value of cultural relics, attract visitors, increase revenue through the exploitation of cultural relics.

- Sources of funding:

The state budget will concentrate investments in historical relics, revolutionary and anti-war relics, and archaeological relics. Other relics will be invested using the state budget and other sources of capital.

Revenue from the exploitation of cultural relics includes ticket sales for visiting relics, donations, and income from relic service activities, which are recommended to be retained at 100% for the repair and restoration of cultural relics.

In the short term, from 2001 to 2005, the proposed funding requested from the State for implementing the above objectives is 1,562 billion VND, of which the state budget is 695 billion VND (including annual revenue from relic exploitation left for relic repair and restoration and the state budget balanced annually). From 2006 to 2020, it will be proposed annually to the State to increase investment in relic repair in line with the economic growth rate.

Utilize the allocated budget, joint venture capital, and loans effectively.

(List of prioritized relics for repair and restoration attached as an appendix).

2.2. Develop material infrastructure for the sector

Establish a Center for Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Documentation at the Museum Conservation Department and the Restoration Design Center.

Build a laboratory for researching the preservation of relics and artifacts, workshops for restoring various materials, and artworks located at the Restoration Design Center.

2.3. Train managers and personnel for the repair and restoration of cultural relics

Build a cadre sufficient in number, ensuring quality, expertise, and professional skills, which is the top priority and must be done regularly: Increase specialized training courses for cadres; select capable cadres to send for training both domestically and internationally.

For those engaged in managing cultural relics regardless of their background in history, archaeology, Han-Nom studies, ethnology, fine arts..., they must be trained in basic knowledge of museology, the Law on Cultural Heritage, state policies and systems for cultural relics, theories and techniques for repairing and restoring cultural relics.

For those directly involved in the repair and restoration of cultural relics, who are specialists in construction, architecture, economics, etc., additional basic knowledge about history, culture, museology, ancient architecture, principles, and techniques for repairing and restoring cultural relics, and establishing relic files should be provided.

For technical workers engaged in the repair and restoration of cultural relics, they need to be trained in techniques, gradually ranking them according to skill levels in the field of relic repair and restoration.

For the Central Company for Relic Repair and Restoration and the Central Fine Arts Company, it is necessary to strengthen teams of architects, engineers, and high-level technicians to develop into main units responsible for repairing and restoring particularly important relics with high technical, artistic, and quality requirements.

2. Socialize the work of repairing and restoring cultural relics

Enhance propaganda to raise awareness among all strata of the population, especially young people, regarding respect, preservation, and promotion of cultural relics, considering this a crucial long-term measure in preserving the nation's cultural heritage. Enact specific policies to encourage public participation in the cause of preserving the nation's cultural heritage.

Overcome the mindset of providing comprehensive support from the public for the protection and repair, restoration of cultural relics, placing relics within traditional cultural social institutions in villages, implementing that the public has the right to manage, protect, and contribute to the repair of cultural relics.

Implement National Day for Protecting Cultural Heritage. Set November 23rd each year (the day President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree 65/SL to protect cultural relics) as National Day for Protecting Cultural Relics. Establish a Cultural Relic Protection Association.

Article 2. Regarding cultural relics expected to become special national relics, the Ministry of Culture - Information assigns the Museum Conservation Department to establish scientific criteria, seek opinions from the Scientific Council to unify and submit to the Prime Minister for approval.

Article 3. The Museum Conservation Department will lead and coordinate with the Planning Department, the Finance and Accounting Department to establish mechanisms, policies, and regulations on the repair and restoration of cultural relics as stipulated in Article 1 and disseminate and guide the implementation by the Departments of Culture - Information, Museums, Management Boards of cultural relics, and related units nationwide starting from 2001 in accordance with the approved planning content.

Article 4. The Heads of the Ministry's Office, the Heads of the Planning Department, the Heads of the Finance and Accounting Department, the Director of the Museum Conservation Department, the Head of the Planning Board of the Ministry, and the Directors of the Departments of Culture - Information, Museums, Management Boards of cultural relics, and related units are responsible for enforcing this Decision./.