After nearly 15 years of implementing the model of Kim Lien marine culture-themed residential area in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, the living standards, cultural and spiritual life of local inhabitants have been gradually improved. Also outstandingly, it is worth praising that changes made over the past time do not blight the unique characteristics and identity of such a traditional Vietnamese fishing village.

After nearly 15 years of implementing the model of Kim Lien marine cultural residential area, the people's lives have positively changed but many unique characteristics and identities of the traditional fishing village have been well preserved. Photo: Xuan Dung

Community connection beefed up

Located at the foot of the highly popular Hai Van Pass, Kim Lien is a small village that embraces Nam O beach like a mother's arms. Despite being small, the coastal village still boasts a rich history, associated with the traditional fishing profession of ancestors.

Till date, Kim Lien village still retains its unspoiled and peaceful beauty, regardless of rapid urbanisation steps.

Every morning, the Fisheries Protection Team of Hoa Hiep Bac Ward brings back fish and shrimp from a fishing trip near the shore.

This team was established in 2017, following the idea proposed by the Da Nang Fisheries Sub-Department, the Hoa Hiep Bac Ward People's Committee and the Hai Van Border Guard Station.

Mr. Nguyen Quang, a fisherman of Kim Lien Village, the team leader said that, besides conducting fishing trips, the group also tasks itself with joining hands with other functional local forces to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment among both locals and visitors.

In addition, the group’s members, in collaboration with functional bodies are actively involved in detecting illegal fishing and acts damaging the marine environment.

Up to now, after nearly 15 years of operation, the Kim Lien marine culture-themed residential area model has still been highly effective, significantly helping to positively change the lives of Kim Lien villagers.

Many years ago, fishing was the main livelihood of Kim Lien villagers. Up to now, although only about 60 out of the total 350 households in the village has followed this time-honoured profession, the beauty of the fishing village is still preserved and highly appreciated

The most prominent feature in implementing the Kim Lien marine cultural settlement model is the change in villagers’ consciousness. Now, it can be realised that the behaviour culture, healthy lifestyle and the solidarity spirit amongst locals have been significantly improved.

Beaches currently look more highly-inviting with an outstanding facelift, becoming a place for cultural, entertainment, physical training and sports activities.

Preserving traditional cultural identity

The cultural identity of a traditional Vietnamese fishing village has been kept unchanged at Kim Lien.

Till date, religious activities and beliefs have been well preserved by local residents as they have voluntarily participated in contributing to repairing and upgrading cultural and historical works, the Lang Ong (the Whale Temple) municipal historical relic site for example.

On the 17^th day of the 2^nd lunar month each year, Kim Lien villagers jubilantly organise a marine cultural festival during which a ceremony is held to pray for peace and favourable weather for the sake of bumper catches of seafood.

Vice Chairman of the Hoa Hiep Bac Ward People's Committee Nguyen Minh Hoang affirmed that, Kim Lien residential area is strongly determined to continuously push up economic development.
In particular, focus will be on building Kim Lien residential area into a traditional craft village following the Prime Minister's orientation on ‘One Commune - One Product’ programme.

Along with that heed will be paid to positively change community conventions on building marine cultural settlements in order to raise awareness on protecting the time-honoured marine cultural values.

Also importantly, the elderly are highly encouraged to participate in training the young generation on preserving and promoting the cultural identities of the marine cultural complex amidst the burgeoning urbanisation process.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG - Translating by A.THU