My Son: New management model for cultural heritage protection!

My Son: New management model for cultural heritage protection!

The important My Son temple complex in central Vietnam is facing a restructuring of its administration. The management model report has already been submitted to the Standing Committee of the Duy Xuyen District Party Committee for consideration. This comes in a context that highlights the need for more effective management of cultural heritage to respond to the challenges of urbanization, tourism development and climate change. The current management approach is reaching its limits, which is why new models are being discussed.

In total, three options for the management model are proposed: the establishment of a board of directors under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, direct submission to the provincial People's Committee, or submission to the municipal People's Committee. The director of the My Son Cultural Heritage Management Board, Nguyen Cong Khiet, is in favor of management by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and sees this as an appropriate solution.

Current organizational structure and employee qualifications

Currently, the management team of the My Son Temple complex consists of 140 employees, spread across six specialist departments. The qualifications of the employees are diverse: seven have a master's degree, 51 have a bachelor's or engineering degree, 19 have a university degree, 28 have an intermediate degree and 35 employees have no formal training.

An advantage of reporting directly to the Provincial People's Committee is that approvals for conservation and restoration work are facilitated. In addition, this model offers financial autonomy and flexibility in carrying out professional activities. Mr. Dang Huu Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Duy Xuyen District People's Committee, supports transferring the management of cultural heritage to the Provincial People's Committee to create better conditions for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

The meaning of My Son and cultural backgrounds

My Son, known as Beautiful Mountain, is a temple town located about 25 kilometers west-southwest of Hội An in Quảng Nam Province. This site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 and is considered a significant remnant of the Champa culture, which emerged on the coast of Vietnam from the 2nd or 3rd century and was heavily influenced by Indian culture, particularly Shaivism.

With more than 70 surviving temples grouped in central tower-like structures and smaller buildings, My Son symbolizes cultural exchange and the influences of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia. The 24 meter high tower, which was destroyed during the Vietnam War, is particularly well known. Rebuilding the temples is extremely difficult due to the Cham's unique seamless construction method.

The complex itself fell into obscurity after the collapse of the Champa Empire, but was rediscovered at the end of the 19th century by French colonialists, who began to explore and partially restore the site. With a new management model, Vietnam wants to ensure that valuable cultural legacies are preserved in the long term and accessible to future generations.

In summary, restructuring the management of My Son Temple City is not only a necessary response to current challenges, but also a crucial step towards safeguarding Vietnam's cultural heritage.