The association’s General Secretary Nguyen Xuan Thang said on Nov. 27, 2008 the annual awards were launched in response to Vietnam’s Heritage Law and UNESCO’s Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage.

They aim to encourage people to discover and vote for Vietnam’s tangible and non-tangible cultural heritages, and recognize the work of organizations and individuals who have contributed to the preservation and development of them.

They also offer a chance for localities and ministries to highlight and promote Vietnam’s unique culture, tourism and heritage.