Publications
Cultural landscapes in Southeast Asia
A key insight from Southeast Asia's cultural landscapes is the critical role of local communities in maintaining these sites, as demonstrated by the rice terraces that rely on annual upkeep to survive. Unlike Borobudur temples, which can be conserved exclusively by experts, the preservation of such landscapes hinges on protecting local ecosystems, transmitting traditional knowledge, and sustaining agro-based livelihoods. The study examines five UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Bali's Subak system, Vat Phou, the Philippines' rice terraces, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Trang An—that were inscribed for their cultural significance. It highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance conservation with community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of these landscapes.
First report of lepidopteran insects from the Trang An Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh Province, with two new country records
A comprehensive survey of lepidopteran insects in the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, reveals 167 species, including 62 butterflies and 105 moths. Among these, two species—Celerena signata and Nygmia plana—are documented for the first time in Vietnam, expanding the country's lepidopteran biodiversity record. The findings are based on field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2018, providing a foundational dataset for future ecological studies in this ecologically significant region.
From Ha Long Bay to Trang An Landscape Complex: Issues on Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites, Vietnam | Quản lý du lịch tại Di sản Thế giới của Việt Nam: Từ Vịnh Hạ Long đến Quần thể Danh thắng Tràng An
Effective tourism management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Ha Long Bay and the Trang An Landscape Complex in Vietnam, requires balancing economic benefits with preservation of cultural and natural values. While local authorities have shown strong commitment to safeguarding these sites, challenges persist in governance, crowd control, and social impacts on local communities. The study recommends privatization or public-private partnerships for more sustainable operations, diversifying investments into less detrimental areas like technology infrastructure and heritage-based performances. Additionally, it suggests implementing capacity assessments, increasing ticket prices, and developing new attractions to manage overcrowding while enhancing tourist experiences. Ensuring economic benefits for vulnerable locals through community-based tourism and high-paid job creation is also emphasized as a key strategy.
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