Vung Vieng fishing village is located in the core of the World Natural Heritage Halong Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. - Photo: VNA/VNS
QUANG NINH, (Vietnam): The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has requested the two northern provinces of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to report on several issues related to the protection and coordination of management of the world natural heritage site Halong Bay.
A concluding report at a recent session in India revealed that the WHC has asked the two localities to give an account on environmental protection, landscape preservation, and coordinated management within the bay.
The WHC welcomed the extension of Halong Bay (Quang Ninh) to include the Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong), but noted that the submitted report on Cat Ba was limited in information.
It called for an integrated management approach between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong for the combined Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago heritage site.
Expressing concern about new tourism development projects and coastal residential areas in Halong area, the WHC remarked these could impact the heritage’s outstanding universal value.
It requested detailed information from local authorities on all planned development projects within the heritage area, including the buffer zone and nearby areas that might affect the site’s outstanding value.
While the WHC appreciated Quang Ninh's efforts to address waste and other environmental issues affecting the heritage site, it noted continued third-party reports of water pollution in the area.
Additionally, the WHC emphasised the need for both regions to promptly submit a detailed zoning map for the Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site.
This map should clarify land use and include a comprehensive management framework covering the heritage area, buffer zones and the broader surrounding areas.
The WHC also urged local authorities to expedite the carrying capacity assessment to enhance the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy and establish an Integrated Visitor Management System as soon as possible. - Vietnam News/ANN
