Reviving and Developing Traditional Handicrafts as a Green Transformation Process: The Case of the Nam Cao Silk Weaving Cooperative in Hung Yen Province, Vietnam

Abstract

          This paper explores the revival and enhancement of traditional crafts as a process of green transformation, focusing on the Nam Cao Silk Weaving Cooperative in former Thái Bình Province, now Hung Yen Province in Vietnam. The main methodologies include reviewing secondary data, field trips, and interviews. The cooperative's embrace slowcrafted materials and eco-friendly techniques exemplifying a sustainable approach. By employing manual dyeing processes with natural materials, the cooperative reduces harmful chemicals, contributing to a healthier environment. Their circular ecosystem includes mulberry cultivation, silkworm farming, pupa production, and the sale of mulberries and tea from mulberry leaves, creating a sustainable and circular economic model. Additionally, eco-tourism and educational activities of the Nam Cao Cooperative based on mulberry growing and silkworm farming to attract visitors, fostering an agricultural-tourism synergy. The development of the handicrafts and services of the Nam Cao Cooperative not only diversifies the local economy but also strengthens community bonds and instills a sense of local pride, replacing previous feelings of inferiority associated with peasant practices. Especially, with the efforts of the Nam Cao Cooperative and partners, the state has officially recognized the Nam Cao village’s silk tradition as a national intangible cultural heritage. This underscores the significant contribution of the Nam Cao Cooperative to the local culture and national cultural economy, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage. This case study of the Nam Cao Silk Weaving Cooperative illustrates how the revival and development of traditional crafts can lead to environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and community revitalization, offering valuable insights for similar initiatives worldwide.