Event Series “From Tea Leaves to Heritage”: Bridging Heritage and Culture for Sustainable Development

On July 4–5, 2025, in Da Lat, the event series “From Tea Leaves to Heritage” offered a fresh perspective on tea within the context of creative cultural spaces, while reaffirming the critical role of heritage in fostering sustainable community development.

“From Tea Leaves to Heritage” is a series of activities organized by IMEXCO Company with the participation of UNESCO, as part of a long-term cooperation project (2025–2029) aimed at heritage preservation and promoting sustainable development practices in traditional tea-growing regions. The initiative also aspires to position the cultural space of tea as a potential candidate for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The event brought together a wide range of artisans, businesses, researchers, and representatives from diplomatic missions and international organizations. This interdisciplinary gathering reflects a growing interest in connecting culture, economy, and the environment within a sustainable development strategy.

Event scene from “From Tea Leaves to Heritage.” Photo: UNESCO Office in Vietnam Fanpage

Over two days, the event offered attendees a variety of rich and engaging experiences:

– Day 1 – Exploring Vietnamese Tea Culture: Featuring unique tea-brewing performances, exhibitions of eco-friendly products, traditional handicraft demonstrations, and the introduction of new ecological tea initiatives.

– Day 2 – From Tea Leaves to Heritage: Including “tea tours” exploring local cultural spaces and themed discussions on sustainable consumption, responsible tourism, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, emphasized: “Heritage is not only something to preserve—it is also the foundation for community development. We are pleased to support artisans, women, and youth in Vietnam’s tea regions in transforming heritage into a resource for the future.”

Mr. Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, at the event. Photo: UNESCO Office in Vietnam Fanpage

Through the event, tea was celebrated not only as a traditional product but also as a valuable cultural resource in the context of contemporary development. “From Tea Leaves to Heritage” marks the first step in a long-term effort by communities, artisans, and organizations to bring Vietnamese tea to greater prominence on the world heritage map.