Civil Society
In general “civil society” is made up of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), associations and individual citizens who
are independent from the government and work collectively to
advance common interests.
Unlike most countries, in Viet Nam, many civil society organizations
and associations in Viet Nam are closely attached to the government.
These organizations include the Youth Union, Women’s Union,
Veteran’s Union, Farmers’ Union, Senior Citizens’ Union and
Education Promotion Union. They are registered under an umbrella
organization called the Fatherland Front, which is closely tied
to the government.16 These organizations play an important role
in delivering government messages. They provide a “bridge of
communication” between local populations and the government
and they act as facilitators in the implementation of government
initiatives.
Vietnamese civil society organizations are highly structured
and exist at the national, provincial and local levels, similar to
government structures. Members of such organizations actively
participate in community development actions. For example,
members of the Youth Union volunteer two weeks of their time
annually for public purposes.
Such organizations can be very beneficial for heritage protection. In
Hoi An, volunteers from the Youth Union participated in a series
of restoration projects. With technical advice from local heritage
managers and UNESCO, they worked closely with craftspersons to
learn the skills and methods needed to restore and maintain Hoi
An’s built heritage.
The media is another sector of civil society and also plays an
important role in promoting the conservation of natural, cultural
and built heritage in Hoi An. In 2003, following severe flooding of
the Thu Bon River, media reports spurred the government to invest
heavily in the restoration of the old quarter.