This is an important milestone, not only honoring the historical and cultural values of Central Highlands coffee beans but also opening up many development opportunities for agriculture, tourism and the local economy.
Pride of Dak Lak
Sharing about this event, Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: "The recognition of coffee growing and processing knowledge as an intangible cultural heritage is not only a source of pride for the people of Dak Lak but also a recognition of the coffee industry's contributions to the economic and cultural development of the locality".
This event becomes even more meaningful when taking place within the framework of the 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, an important cultural event to promote the brand of Central Highlands coffee and Dak Lak coffee to the whole country and the world.
Being recognized as an intangible cultural heritage helps to elevate the image and value of Central Highlands coffee, while affirming the position of Vietnamese coffee beans on the world map.
Dak Lak coffee growing and processing knowledge officially included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List
With a history of more than a century of development, coffee trees have been deeply attached to the Central Highlands land and its people.
Originally an exotic crop, but thanks to soil and climate conditions and especially the farming experience of the people, Dak Lak coffee has gradually affirmed its position, becoming one of the main products of the locality.
From the delicious Robusta coffee beans, the people here have gained valuable experience in selecting varieties, growing, harvesting and processing.
Traditional processing methods such as natural drying, wet fermentation, and roasting according to special recipes have created unique, unmistakable coffee flavors.
This is a treasure trove of valuable folk knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, contributing to the Buon Ma Thuot coffee brand - the "coffee capital" of Vietnam.
Dak Lak farmers are proud of their hometown coffee beans.
Opportunities and challenges from the title of Cultural Heritage
The recognition of Dak Lak coffee as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only a source of pride but also a great opportunity for the locality to reposition the value of the coffee industry. However, to turn this title into a driving force for sustainable development, specific strategies are needed.
First of all, the conservation and development of native coffee varieties need more attention. Scientists and research institutes need to join hands to improve the quality of varieties, increase productivity and protect the biodiversity of Dak Lak coffee trees.
In addition, the role of farmers – those who directly cultivate and process coffee – also needs to be honored and supported. There needs to be a policy to encourage sustainable production, helping coffee growers improve their skills, apply science and technology while still maintaining traditional values.
In addition, the value of coffee lies not only in its taste but also in the cultural stories behind it. Therefore, the tourism industry needs to exploit this factor more strongly.
Coffee experience tourism products, farm tours, learning about the processing process, and enjoying coffee in the Central Highlands style can help promote Vietnamese coffee culture to the world, similar to what many countries have done with tea culture.
Finally, the locality needs to focus on diversifying coffee products to not only export raw beans but also develop deeply processed products such as instant coffee, coffee tablets, coffee cosmetics, etc.
This helps increase economic value and affirm the Dak Lak coffee brand in the domestic and international markets.
Being recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage will be an opportunity for Dak Lak coffee in particular and the Central Highlands in general.
The recognition of "Folk knowledge of growing and processing coffee in Dak Lak" as a national intangible cultural heritage is an important event, marking a turning point for the local coffee industry.
However, this title is only truly meaningful when exploited properly, contributing to improving the lives of coffee growers, promoting tourism and creating sustainable value for the economy.
Central Highlands coffee beans are not just a simple agricultural product, but also the crystallization of sweat, effort and intelligence of many generations.
Now, with the title of Cultural Heritage, Dak Lak coffee has a new opportunity to reach out and affirm its position on the world coffee map.
Mr. Tran Hong Tien shared: "The observations and assessments show that there are many issues and action programs that must be raised from the value of coffee heritage. The tasks that should be done and must be done to certify Cultural Heritage are proposed, bringing true values and spreading to the social community.
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