Attention should be paid to the process of classifying historical sites.
(Baonghean)The process of compiling and classifying historical sites creates a scientific and legal basis for preserving and promoting their value. However, this work progresses slowly, which can lead to the loss of historical sites.
Yen Thanh is one of the localities with the largest number of historical relics in the province. According to survey data from 2010, there are over 200 relics in the district, of which 192 have been classified for management; 47 relics have been ranked (20 at the national level and 27 at the provincial level). The relics in the district are densely distributed, encompassing many types, and many are being preserved quite intact. However, the progress of ranking relics is slow (in 2013, Yen Thanh had 8 ranked relics), and some relics are deteriorating. If attention is not paid to protecting relics and accelerating the process of preparing ranking dossiers, the district will lose many relics in the near future. The reality of relics being ranked slowly and facing the risk of deterioration, destruction, and distortion is currently widespread throughout the province. The 2011 inventory showed that Nghe An province has 1,395 historical sites, of which 135 have been classified as national sites and 156 as provincial sites; the percentage of newly classified sites is only about 20%. In 2013, the province had 32 classified sites (5 national sites, 27 provincial sites). At this rate, the risk of losing historical sites is very high.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, head of the Research and Propaganda Department of the Provincial Management Board of Historical Sites and Scenic Spots, the reasons for this situation are the limited awareness and understanding of some local officials and cultural officials regarding their responsibility to preserve and promote the value of historical sites in the area. Some officials in charge of grassroots culture lack understanding and concern for cultural heritage, thus overlooking historical sites in the inventory process, and failing to actively advise on the preparation of dossiers for ranking historical sites as well as solutions for protecting them. Some historical sites were announced to be preparing dossiers for ranking, but when officials came to inspect them, the sites had already been completely "modernized," rendering them worthless. In some places, encroachment on historical sites occurs openly, even granting projects on areas already designated for protection. Secondly, there is a lack of funding. To date, the State has not allocated funds for the preparation of dossiers for ranking historical sites; Localities, clans, and communities are responsible for this funding (approximately tens of millions of VND per relic). Therefore, this has led to a situation where more clan ancestral temples are recognized than community relics (in 2013, this ratio was 50/50). Currently, the Provincial People's Committee has issued a document announcing a policy to support the funding for preparing relic dossiers with a maximum of 15 million VND per relic, which would fundamentally address the financial difficulties. However, this document has not yet been implemented.
Regarding the quality of the dossiers, the Management Board of Ethnic Minorities Affairs stated that the time to complete a dossier is approximately 3-6 months, handled by a staff member of the Board. This staff member is responsible for surveying and researching dossiers and documents, and consulting with local people to complete the dossier according to regulations. Currently, the Management Board of Ethnic Minorities Affairs has staff members proficient in Chinese and Nom script, capable of handling technical drawings. To date, the dossiers approved have basically met the requirements, with almost no complaints or grievances regarding the content after recognition. However, the Management Board of Ethnic Minorities Affairs currently lacks staff with in-depth expertise, extensive experience, and scientific prestige. During the dossier completion process, the staff members of the Board have also not had the opportunity to consult with researchers and experts.
After the documentation is completed and the site is recognized as a historical monument, the responsibility for protecting and promoting its value is handed over to the local authorities. The relevant agencies rarely conduct inspections or reviews after a certain period. Almost no projects or programs for protecting and promoting the value of the monument are implemented after its classification. Some localities and clans consider the recognition of the monument as the completion of their task of preserving and promoting its value.
Given the aforementioned shortcomings, it is suggested that the cultural sector and relevant authorities should review and reassess measures to preserve and promote the value of historical relics in the area, promoting positive aspects while rectifying and overcoming existing weaknesses. The system of historical relics in the province is facing the threat of destruction from nature, time, and human activities. Therefore, if effective solutions are not implemented quickly, we will lose these relics, the invaluable heritage that our ancestors have built over hundreds of years.
Tran Quang Dai
