Storms and Erosion at My Son: Efforts to Protect Cultural Heritage

My Son, a world cultural heritage site located in the middle of Quang Nam, is not only a place that preserves the imprint of a glorious Champa civilization but also a historical witness, surviving through many changes of time. However, challenges from nature, especially storms and erosion, are increasing pressure on the conservation of ancient architectural works here. The magnificent towers that once stood tall for centuries are now at risk of serious degradation due to the constant erosion of the weather and the impact of the natural environment.

Quang Nam, with its tropical monsoon climate, regularly experiences heavy rains and floods lasting from September to December. At My Son, torrential rains, combined with high humidity, have caused much damage to the temple and tower structures. The brick walls, which have withstood the rigors of time, have become weakened by the effects of storms and rainwater, causing the mortar to peel off, creating cracks and subsidence. The unstable foundations have put many ancient towers at risk of collapse, especially those that have long been degraded, such as towers A', E and F.

In recent years, with the support of many international organizations and governments, restoration projects have been implemented to protect My Son heritage from the ravages of nature. At the H tower group, experts from India have carried out temporary reinforcement measures, using wood to hold the weak brick walls from collapsing when the rainy season comes. However, harsh weather has forced many projects to be suspended, waiting for weather conditions to allow for conservation work to continue.

Sacred land, solemn - magnificent - majestic. Photo collection

Mr. Le Van Minh, an expert who has spent many years researching the My Son relic site, shared that the restoration works from the 1980s and the early years of the 21st century have helped the towers A, B, C, D and G to stand firm. However, the works belonging to the towers A', E, F are in a state of near ruin. Without timely measures, the risk of losing important parts of the heritage is inevitable. Faced with the pressure of nature, measures such as clearing forests, ventilating spaces to reduce humidity, or nurturing surrounding trees to reduce wind force have all been implemented, but these are only temporary solutions.

The major challenge to preserving My Son lies not only in the impact of nature but also in the strict legal regulations on heritage conservation. According to Mr. Le Trung Cuong, Vice Chairman of Duy Xuyen District People's Committee, Area 1 of My Son is considered "inviolable," which means that restoration activities must strictly comply with the Heritage Law, under the approval of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. All restoration items must go through scientific seminars and be carefully approved so as not to damage the landscape and cultural values ​​of the area.

Traces of the flood in mid-October in My Son have not yet been completely erased. Photo: BA

While My Son is at risk of being damaged by floods and erosion, experts are constantly looking for sustainable solutions to preserve the heritage. In addition to restoration projects funded by the government and international organizations, socialization and attracting investment from external resources are also important solutions. Mr. Le Trung Cuong emphasized that, despite difficulties in resources and law, the preservation of My Son is always a top priority to protect the priceless cultural values ​​of the nation.

Temporary conservation solutions such as reinforcing brick walls, clearing trees and ventilating the site are just the first steps in a long process of heritage protection. For My Son to continue to endure over time, the cooperation of the entire community, experts and local authorities is needed. In addition, the participation of artisans and skilled workers in fields such as carpentry, plastering and roofing also plays an important role. Mr. Nguyen Chi Trung, Director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, shared that heritage conservation is not only about preserving cultural values ​​but also requires extensive skills and expertise, because it is a science that requires meticulousness and sophistication.

My Son is a special relic site, bearing invaluable cultural heritage and evidence of the existence of the Champa civilization, along with precious spiritual values ​​of humanity. Vietnam’s conservation efforts, combined with support from the international community, are making an important contribution to preserving this heritage for future generations. When properly preserved, My Son can continue to convey timeless cultural and historical values, helping us better understand the past and orient the future.

Hoang Anh