New delhi: The Dong Ho folk painting craft was included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Need of Urgent Safeguarding at the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of ICH on December 9 in New Delhi, India, according to the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This recognition marks an important step in preserving the traditional Vietnamese art form.

According to Vietnam News Agency, this inclusion is significant as it represents Vietnam’s 17th intangible cultural heritage element that has gained recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Dong Ho folk painting craft is a traditional practice that involves the creation of woodblock prints, often depicting daily life and historical events in Vietnam. This acknowledgment aims to promote efforts to protect and preserve the craft, ensuring its survival for future generations.