Participants emphasised the diverse and unique culture of the Central Highlands, such as the space of gong culture, costumes and festivals.

However, they noted that many unique cultural characteristics of the region are being undermined.

A number of researchers attributed this to the destruction of forests and the failure of schools to teach students about Central Highlands culture.

In addition, many residents of the Central Highlands have sold their gongs and looms, and restructured their modes of production due to economic hardship. This is having a detrimental impact on the culture.

Furthermore, demographic changes have also affected the Central Highlands culture, currently only 23.5 percent of the population are originally from the Central Highlands.

Workshop participants suggested authorised agencies adopt measures to preserve and develop the Central Highlands culture, protect and expand forests, and educate the younger generation on the region’s culture.

The Central Highlands region, which comprises the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, is home to stunning mythical landscapes and a significant population of diverse ethnic minorities and cultures.

In particular, the region’s space of gong culture was recognised as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.