The presentation discusses a participatory approach to interpretation of living cultures in the context of community development and cultural preservation. It explores the roles and levels of participation of different stakeholders throughout the process, with a specific focus on the cultural community as the primary beneficiaries. In the context of broader community development efforts, existing cultural resources within the community—such traditional cultural practices and spaces—have emerged as crucial resources. Within this framework, community-based or sustainable tourism is hoped to play a pivotal role in achieving both goals of income generation and cultural preservation. Within a series of activities, a community museum or cultural interpretation center—where traditional music, foodways, handicrafts, ritual ceremonies and so on are represented and re-enacted, serves as the central hub, offering visitors opportunities to understand and indulge themselves in the local culture.

   Nguyen Duc Tang is Director of the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage (CCH), an NGO established under the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association in 2007. He holds accreditation as a UNESCO ICH Facilitator, following an extensive work experience with UNESCO in 2011-2018. Mr. Tang’s primary experience and expertise focus on in the areas of intangible cultural heritage, heritage education, museum, culture and development, and gender. Mr. Tang has a strong interest in community-based museums and exhibitions, and he has actively participated in several related projects. At CCH, Mr. Tang’s primary focus centers on intangible cultural heritage and museums, where he works closely with authorities and local communities across the country, conducting research, creating inventories, documenting, publishing, and implementing safeguarding measures for ICH. CCH’s collaborations extend to a nationwide network of museums, experts, local communities, and international agencies such as UNESCO, ICHCAP, and the British Council.