On December 5 and 6, at the Coffee World Museum (Buon Ma Thuot ward), the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province coordinated with Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, UNESCO and Yunnan University (China) to organize an international scientific conference with the theme " ward value chain of the global coffee industry - Global, local and sustainable development".
The event was sponsored by Trung Nguyen Group Joint Stock Company and more than 100 delegates including leaders of a number of departments, branches, scientists, experts and domestic and international organizations attended.
Mr. Lam Nhan - Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture - said that the conference is an opportunity to connect agencies, universities, international organizations and businesses to expand scientific exchanges, aiming to create a new vision for the Vietnamese coffee industry in the global value chain.
The event is of special significance when associated with the roadmap to build a dossier "Knowledge of planting, processing and enjoying Central Highlands coffee" to be submitted to UNESCO for listing in the List of Good Practices on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This is considered an important opportunity to honor indigenous knowledge, elevate the Vietnamese coffee brand and affirm the contribution of the Central Highlands to the world cultural heritage map, Mr. Nhan added.
At the workshop, the Organizing Committee received 57 presentations covering many fields, from economics, society, culture, humanities, heritage studies to processing technology, value chains and sustainable development.
According to experts, the development of the "Dak Lak Coffee Growing and Processing Knowledge" dossier recognizes the system of knowledge passed down through many generations. At the same time, it contributes to shaping memories and community identity through customs, ethics, social behavior and stories about coffee cultivation journeys.
Mr. Tran Hong Tien - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province - commented: "In the context of complicated climate change, traditional farming techniques such as intercropping, economical irrigation, regenerative farming... have become a valuable source of knowledge to help the community adapt effectively.
That further affirms the importance of preserving and promoting living heritage. This is a foundation to contribute to environmental protection, socio-economic development and improving people's lives".
The event is not only a scientific forum but also an important first step in the process of building a dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of "Dak Lak Coffee cultivation and Processing Knowledge" in the List of Good Practices on Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection", Mr. Tien added.
