The Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative on July 13 inaugurated the development of two centers for snake breeding, creative design, promotion and sales of OCOP and craft products.

Located in Le Mat Traditional Snake Village, Viet Hung Ward, the two centers' inauguration marked an important milestone in preserving and promoting one of Hanoi's most unique traditional craft villages.

It affirmed the strong commitment of local authorities and residents to developing eco-tourism and fostering sustainable cultural and economic growth.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Board and Director of the Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative, spoke passionately about the journey of preserving and innovating the village's traditional craft.

According to him, Le Mat Village has a history of over a thousand years and is famous for its snake farming, a trade rooted in the legend of rescuing a princess during the Ly Dynasty and reclaiming land to the west of Thang Long Citadel.

Once a means of survival, snake farming has since become a symbol of cultural identity and community pride.

However, the craft faces many modern challenges, including legal restrictions on wildlife, urbanization pressures, shifting consumer trends, and rising expectations from tourists in terms of safety, education, and authentic experiences.

"To keep the craft alive, we cannot rely on nostalgia alone. We must take bold, practical action and adopt modern models," he said.

"Today's project represents a fusion of preservation, innovation, and development, from biological conservation to education, from tourism experiences to local economic growth."

The project is grounded in traditional values but embraces a modern, multifunctional approach, Tuan added.

It integrates technology, expands international cooperation, and commits to biodiversity protection while promoting local heritage to domestic and international visitors, he said.

Truong Minh Khanh, Deputy Director of the Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative, emphasized its strategic design and operational model.

The project will cover an area of 7,456 square meters with an initial investment of over VND10 billion (US$382,800), and Phase 1 is expected to be completed by Q4/2025.

The complex will feature several interconnected functional zones that meet aesthetic, experiential, conservation, and scientific research standards.

These include a history and culture exhibition area (highlighting the village's development and folklore), a snake and reptile conservation zone (using biological monitoring technology), and an interactive education and performance space for tourists and students.

Other zones will include exhibition areas, OCOP product stalls, specialty cuisine made from snakes, eco-lodging, green spaces, and supporting tourism services.

To ensure professional operation, the cooperative has established six functional departments and two specialized centers.

These facilities include an Experiential Tourism Center (organizing tours, interactive activities, and themed events), and a Research and Development Center (collaborating with universities and research institutes to conserve rare snake genes, apply snake venom in medicine, and enhance the commercial value of products).

"We aim to create an open model where visitors don't just look, take photos, or eat specialties, but learn, understand, and connect with nature and culture," Khanh said.

"In the future, Le Mat Village will add a night market, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and interactive educational programs – all to preserve the craft while embracing innovation and global integration."

Vu Xuan Truong, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Viet Hung Ward, praised the cooperative's initiative and emphasized the project's broader significance.

"This is not merely an infrastructure project," he said. "It is a multi-purpose model that protects heritage, stimulates the local economy, promotes cultural values, and advances sustainable tourism. Le Mat has all the potential to become a unique destination on Hanoi's eco-cultural tourism map."

He urged the investors to implement the project on schedule and meet all requirements for construction quality, biological safety, environmental protection, and legal compliance.

Truong also tasked local departments to coordinate and support the cooperative throughout the process, from administrative procedures and permits to construction supervision, media promotion, and post-launch operations.

"Viet Hung Ward considers this a key project for our OCOP and community-based tourism development strategy," he said.

"We are committed to supporting it, removing obstacles, and ensuring its effective implementation, while using it as a model to inspire similar initiatives across the area."

With strong leadership from local authorities, the creativity and energy of the cooperative, and enthusiastic support from the community, the facilities at Le Mat Craft Village is set to become a new tourism highlight, enriching Hanoi's cultural, ecological, and economic landscape.