BETWEEN LIVELIHOOD AND HERITAGE: THE FUTURE OF FLOATING MARKETS IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Autores

  • To Minh Chau An Giang University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Tran Thi Chau Tran Pedagogical Practice School, An Giang University, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v11i1.1950

Palavras-chave:

floating markets, Mekong Delta, intangible heritage, socio-ecological systems, sustainable livelihoods, cultural tourism

Resumo

Floating markets in the Mekong Delta represent a unique socio-economic and cultural form rooted in aquatic livelihoods and long-standing community traditions. However, these spaces are increasingly challenged by shifting economic structures, environmental degradation, and the expansion of tourism. This study explores the contemporary transformation of five key floating markets between 2018 and 2024, focusing on the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and sustaining local livelihoods. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks and combining qualitative research with descriptive quantitative data, the article examines how floating markets are reconfiguring as part of broader socio-ecological changes. It identifies significant challenges, such as the erosion of trade functions, climate-related impacts, and fragmented governance. In response, the paper proposes six strategic pathways for conservation and sustainable development, positioning floating markets not only as symbolic heritage sites but as dynamic community systems central to the future of the Mekong Delta.

 

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Biografias do Autor

  • To Minh Chau, An Giang University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    To Minh Chau is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, An Giang University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. His research focuses on tourism geography, riverine culture, and sustainable livelihoods in the Mekong Delta. He has actively participated in interdisciplinary fieldwork and studies on preserving local cultural landscapes.

  • Tran Thi Chau Tran, Pedagogical Practice School, An Giang University, Vietnam

    Tran Thi Chau Tran teaches at the Pedagogical Practice School of An Giang University. Her interests lie in local education, integrating folk culture into teaching practices, and developing experiential learning models for secondary school students.

Referências

Ca Mau Newspaper. (2024, January 8). The Mekong Delta: Challenges, opportunities, and new prospects. Ca Mau Online. https://baocamau.vn/dong-bang-song-cuu-long-thach-thuc-thoi-co-va-van-hoi-moi-a33578.html

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City. (2023). 2023 report on cultural and tourism activities – orientation toward 2024 [Cited from Vietnam Economic News]. https://kinhte.congthuong.vn/nghich-ly-cho-noi-cai-rang-khach-tang-thuong-ho-giam-266288.html

Le, H. T., & Tran, M. H. (2019). Sustainable tourism development at floating markets in the Western River region of Vietnam. Journal of Culture and Arts, 410, 45–49.

Nguyen, T. N. (2018). Floating markets in the Mekong Delta from a geographical perspective. Journal of Science – Ho Chi Minh City University of Education: Social Sciences and Humanities, 15(2), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.15.2.151(2018)

Nguyen, V. L. (2020). Cultural identity and community-based tourism in the Mekong Delta. National Political Publishing House.

Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper. (2023). The fading of the Cai Be floating market. https://www.sggp.org.vn/mai-mot-cho-noi-cai-be-post695058.html

UNESCO. (2003). Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved from https://ich.unesco.org/en/convention

Van Hoa (Culture) Newspaper. (2023). When floating markets are no longer “floating,”. https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/khi-cho-noi-khong-con-noi-101400.html

Vietnam Economic News – Ministry of Industry and Trade. (2024, March 5). The paradox of the Cai Rang floating market: More tourists, fewer vendors. Kinh te Cong Thuong. https://kinhte.congthuong.vn/nghich-ly-cho-noi-cai-rang-khach-tang-thuong-ho-giam-266288.html

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Publicado

2025-05-22

Edição

Vol. 11 N.º 1 (2025)

Secção

Articles