A community-based research training was successfully conducted by Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research (CKC) on 24 April 2021. Research approaches, methods, and tools were introduced and practiced by participants who were women from lagoon communes of Quang Loi, Dien Hai, Huong Phong, Phu An, and Loc Binh. Representatives from the Commune People’s Committees also participated and provided locally-contextualised perspectives into the discussions.

Facilitated by Dr. Nguyen Quy Hanh, Senior Researcher of CKC and Dr. Le Vu Truong Giang, Writer from Thua Thien Hue Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the training is structured into two sessions. The theoretical session introduced to the participants methods and contents to approach local culture; processes and requirements for collecting information; compelling storytelling methods; and principles for research ethics. The participants had the opportunity to present unique stories about Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon through various creative forms such as drawing, singing, poetry reading, or storytelling. These exercises also gave the residents in the lagoon a chance to share their obstacles, potentials and aspirations to improve the local ecotourism industry.

The practical session engaged participants in practising research skills through a field visit in the Phuoc Tich ancient village. The participating groups obtained hands-on experiences in research by conducting in-depth interviews with the villagers to explore local values and cultures. The participants quickly grasped the training contents and formed early ideas for their research tasks, including recording stories, legends, poems, and historical knowledge in the lagoon in May 2021.

The workshop is the first component of the Project “Sustainable Tourism through Cultural Heritage at Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon” funded by PT Foundation (Australia). It is hoped that, with their spirit of zeal and enthusiasm for the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon, the participants will contribute positively to the preservation of local culture as well as the development of local ecotourism.