DAK LAK’S COFFEE PLANTING, PROCESSING KNOWLEDGE BECOMES INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Tuesday, March 18,2025
AsemconnectVietnam - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has officially recognised the coffee planting and processing knowledge of the coffee production hub of Dak Lak as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, acknowledging the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of the Central Highlands region.
This decision follows thorough research, surveys, and evaluations aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional knowledge associated with coffee farming -an industry that has shaped the identity of Dak Lak’s people for generations. The natural farming methods, traditional practices in care, harvesting, and processing coffee, not only reflect the richness of folk knowledge but also inspire creativity in art and cuisine.
The pristine beauty of coffee flowers in the Central Highlands (Photo: VNA)
Tourists and locals, including students, are eager to learn about coffee farming and processing in Dak Lak. (Photo: VNA)
The coffee knowledge is present across many districts in Dak Lak, with particular focus on Buon Ma Thuot city and the districts of Cu M’gar, Krong Pak, Ea H’leo, Cu Kuin, and Buon Ho town.
The cultural holders of this heritage are individuals and families who have passed down coffee cultivation and processing knowledge through generations in their communities. This includes the indigenous ethnic people such as Ede, M’Nong, as well as migrants who have settled in Dak Lak and cultivated coffee since the 1950s. The knowledge has been continually inherited and developed.
Vietnam’s coffee capital
Dak Lak is often referred to as the coffee capital of Vietnam, with over 210,000 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation, producing over 520,000 tonnes annually, accounting for more than 30% of the national coffee output. Coffee plays a crucial role in the region’s economy and society, providing livelihoods for local residents. Dak Lak’s coffee products are now exported to over 70 countries and territories worldwide.
The World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot city of Dak Lak province is considered a symbol of Vietnamese coffee.
(Photo: The World Coffee Museum)
According to Lai Duc Dai, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the recognition of Dak Lak’s coffee planting and processing knowledge as a national intangible cultural heritage not only acknowledges the value of these traditions but also opens up opportunities for the development of eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and agricultural tourism in the province, further promoting Dak Lak’s coffee on the international stage.
To further develop this heritage, the department plans to encourage local communities and agricultural businesses to enhance their research and dissemination of cultural values associated with coffee production, ensuring the preservation and promotion of this folk knowledge. Dai stated that the department will advise the provincial People’s Committee on strategies to preserve and enhance the heritage and propose recognition for artisans involved in coffee cultivation and processing.
A parade at the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival 2025 (Photo: Organising Committee)
Children wearing helmets decorated with coffee flowers and fruits at a street festival promoting Dak Lak coffee.
(Photo: Organising Committee)Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 H’Hen Nie, the festival’s media ambassador, in a coffee-themed outfit, attracts the public’s attention. (Photo: Organising Committee)
“The Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will advise the provincial People’s Committee on strategies to preserve and enhance the heritage and propose recognition for artisans involved in coffee cultivation and processing”.
LAI DUC DAI, VICE DIRECTOR OF THE DAK LAK DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM
Visitors at the Dak Lak coffee exhibition booth. (Photo: Organising Committee)Post-recognition challenges
The recognition of Dak Lak’s coffee knowledge as a national intangible cultural heritage has brought great happiness to the local coffee farmers, as it officially acknowledges the contributions made by these farmers and processors to the coffee industry in Vietnam as a whole, and in Dak Lak in particular, for the very first time.
At the same time, this recognition adds value to the coffee beans, improving the livelihoods of farmers and driving the development of the coffee industry. Dak Lak now has the opportunity to become a destination where visitors can experience its culture, enjoy the coffee, and participate in coffee planting and processing activities.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev enjoy Vietnamese coffee. (Photos: VNA)
While the recognition is a source of pride for local coffee farmers and processors, it also presents challenges. These include maintaining and sustainably promoting the heritage, particularly ensuring the continuation of the practices within the community and creating long-term livelihoods.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has pointed out that some regions only focus on building a case for national or international recognition without accompanying efforts to protect and develop the heritage sustainably. There can be uncertainty regarding the implementation of protection and promotion activities after the recognition is granted.
Prince William Arthur Philip of the UK experiences street coffee in Hanoi’s Old Quarters in November 2016.
(Photo: VNA)
The traditional Vietnamese drip coffee served at “Vot Cafe” has been a characteristic part of Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City’s culture since 1954. (Photo: VNA)
Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Institute for Asian Tourism Development (AIT), commented that the recognition of Dak Lak’s coffee heritage is a significant step in preserving and promoting the culture, as well as offering economic opportunities for the region. However, he noted challenges like climate change, market competition, and seasonal variability, and emphasised the need for supportive policies to ensure sustainable development.
“While the recognition is a source of pride for local coffee farmers and processors, it also presents challenges. These include maintaining and sustainably promoting the heritage, particularly ensuring the continuation of the practices within the community and creating long-term livelihoods.”
PHAM HAI QUYNH – DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ASIAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Community-based preservation of heritage
To fully realise the value of this heritage, Quynh stressed the importance of involving the entire political system and local communities in recognising their responsibility for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage. There should be mechanisms and policies to support the community – who are the stewards of the heritage – and promote awareness of the value of this heritage.
For Dak Lak’s coffee sector, Quynh suggests that improving coffee farming and processing techniques for local farmers, helping them understand the cultural and economic significance of their work, and developing coffee tourism experiences could create additional income for the community and increase public awareness of the heritage.
Dak Lak exports the first container of MISS EDE roasted coffee products to the US in December 2024. (Photo: VNA)Vietnamese iced coffee is among the top 10 best drinks in the world. (Photo: VNA)
Experts also suggest that in order to enhance the Dak Lak coffee brand’s reach, localities should invest in product quality and establish alliances between farmers, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to share knowledge and resources, fostering sustainable coffee cultivation. Organising coffee festivals to honour the craft and attract both local participation and tourism could also serve as an opportunity to promote the Dak Lak coffee brand.
Currently, Vietnam has a legal framework to promote the preservation and development of intangible cultural heritage. Decree No. 39/2024/ND-CP specifies the principles of managing, protecting, and promoting intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that such practices benefit people, communities, and cultural values, while safeguarding the environment and promoting comprehensive social development./.
Sourc: VNA
