By developing coffee-oriented urban infrastructure alongside green transformation, digital technology and global knowledge connectivity, Buon Ma Thuot is gradually realising its ambition to become a coffee hub defined by a distinctive identity, rich heritage combined with sustainable competitiveness.

In its long-term development strategy, Dak Lak has identified coffee not only as a key agricultural production sector but also as a driving force for tourism, culture, trade and the creative economy. The province is developing Buon Ma Thuot as an international “coffee city”, integrating landmark projects including the World Coffee Park, Coffee Boulevard alongside specialised experiential service areas.

Delegates examining the top 10 coffee samples meeting specialty standards at the 2026 Vietnam Specialty Coffee Competition.

The locality is promoting a shift from an output-driven development model towards one centred on quality and sustainability. With more than 217,000 ha under coffee, Dak Lak is taking the lead in adopting regenerative agriculture as well as low-emission farming practices towards net zero, while complying with the stringent European Union’s deforestation regulations (EUDR).

Simultaneously, the province is upgrading urban infrastructure, public transport and tourism data, launching a Digital Coffee Map alongside a multilingual information portal connecting visitors with farms, roasteries and coffee shops, while developing specialised coffee tourism routes linking “Raw material areas - Processing/roasting - Tasting/culture”.

Comrade Dao My, PPC Vice Chairman, emphasised that preserving and promoting cultural heritage values cannot be separated from the goal of sustainable development. Dak Lak will promote coffee development models that are green as well as responsible, striking a balance among economic, cultural, social and environmental interests.

Connecting global coffee culture and knowledge

The strength of a global coffee capital is measured not merely by export volumes but also by its ability to foster cultural dialogue and international knowledge exchange. Dak Lak is proactively positioning Buon Ma Thuot as a meeting place for scientists, experts, roasters along with coffee enthusiasts from around the world.

The inclusion of “Knowledge of Coffee Cultivation and Processing in Dak Lak” in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2025 provides an important foundation for preparing a dossier seeking UNESCO recognition on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Standardising the criteria for “Buon Ma Thuot Authentic Coffee” will help safeguard authenticity and strengthen brand credibility in international markets.

Guests, ambassadors and consuls general from countries with distinctive coffee traditions visiting the World Coffee Museum.

Today, Buon Ma Thuot coffee is not only present in the global economic value chain but is also gradually affirming its role as a “cultural ambassador”, bringing stories of the people, the land and the cultural identity of the Central Highlands to international audiences.

Mr. Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Viet Nam, said that Dak Lak represents a meeting point of cultural diversity and longstanding agricultural practices. Coffee traditions are both part of global trade networks while remaining deeply rooted in local history. UNESCO is committed to working with Dak Lak alongside Viet Nam to protect, preserve and promote these living heritage values.

Concurrently, the green transformation of the coffee ecosystem is about building systemic capacity, with the value of a cup of coffee measured not simply by the beverage itself but also by the quality of the entire ecosystem behind it.

The convergence of modern urban infrastructure, green transformation, digital technology and the promotion of living heritage provides a solid foundation for building “Buon Ma Thuot - The World’s Finest Coffee Capital”, helping shape the global coffee culture.

With a vision towards 2035, Buon Ma Thuot aims to become a space where knowledge, heritage and global friendship converge, while serving as a production hub for top-quality Robusta.

Translated by KHUONG THAO