Hòn Yến coral reefs badly damaged

The Hòn Yến national scenic spot in An Hòa Hải, Tuy An, Phú Yên has some unique geological details forming an ecosystem of corals on the shallow surface of sand and volcanic rocks. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Cường

PHÚ YÊN — As tourists return to Hòn Yến national scenic spot, their actions are also damaging the coral reefs.

The Hòn Yến national scenic spot in An Hòa Hải, Tuy An, Phú Yên has some unique geological details forming an ecosystem of corals on the shallow surface of sand and volcanic rocks.

However, outside the current threats of storms and waves, another danger has emerged to endanger this unique ecosystem. Many tourists who come here to take pictures of the coral reefs have stepped on them, making the coral crumble.

"Here we have 17 species of coral reefs living," said Hồ Văn Trung, a resident. "To get an ecosystem and a scene such as this takes millions of years. Due to the pandemic, tourists stopped coming here, and the coral regenerated quickly."

"But then tourists returned and damaged the coral reefs with their actions. In my opinion, local governments must take action to preserve this wonderful natural treasure."

Lê Đoan Trang Trúc, a tourist from Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, said: "This is my first time here in Hòn Yến, and it's stunning. It took a long time for coral to form and create this wonderful scene, but many tourists are unaware of this. Even old people stepped on and sat on the corals."

"If this keeps happening for a couple of years, Hòn Yến will not exist anymore."

Huỳnh Văn Khoa, chairman of the Tuy An District People's Committee, said: "We must protect this natural landscape. We will direct related authorities to implement protective action and stop the damaging of coral by tourists and residents."

According to the Việt Nam-Russian Tropical Research Centre, Hòn Yến has 17 recorded species of coral.

Phú Yên Province, in collaboration with many international organisations, has initiated preservation projects here.

Local residents have also established a local task force to protect the coral. — VNS

Hà Nội prepares for temperature drop as cold front approaches

Environment

Rare green sea turtle released in Quảng Trị

Environment

Hundreds of damaged irrigation reservoirs need repairing

Environment

IUCN-MARD workshop tackles marine environmental issues

Environment

A new plant species discovered in central Việt Nam

Environment

National Environmental Protection Plan ensures high quality living environment

More on this story

Environment

Workshop seeks to promote responsible tourism and wildlife conservation

Preventing tourists from buying ivory products and endangered wild species is essential, especially in the context of Việt Nam having fully reopened its doors to international tourists, a workshop held in Hà Nội on Wednesday heard.

Environment

Dive tourism suspension planned to protect coral reefs in Nha Trang Bay

The south-central province of Khánh Hoà is planning to suspend dive tourism in vulnerable coral reef areas in Nha Trang Bay due to serious reef degradation.

Environment

Mekong Delta plan seeks flexible response to climate, market changes: Agriculture minister

Agricultural planning is a crucial part of the Mekong Delta regional master plan that will help open opportunities, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Lê Minh Hoan has said.

Environment

Dancing dolphins

Did you know dolphins follow vessels because it’s like getting a free ride? When they swim in the wake of a boat they use less energy. That was the case this week when fishermen off the coast of Khánh Hòa Province were surrounded by a huge pod of dolphins. Watch the amazing footage here.

Environment

VN plants trees for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Việt Nam has made strong efforts to combat land degradation and improve livelihoods for people contributing to sustainable forestry development, said deputy director of the General Department of Forestry Phạm Văn Điển.

Environment

Support from other countries key to fighting climate change

Việt Nam has joined the race to a net-zero economy by 2050 as it was among more than 40 countries that agreed to shift away from coal, one of the biggest generators of CO2 emissions, in pledges made at the COP26 climate summit.

Environment

Nha Trang scrambles to save coral reefs from bleaching

Saving coral reefs in Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area from massive bleaching is a priority that requires a long-term, scientific and sustainable strategy, scientists and oceanographers have said.

Environment

Engineers complete maintenance on island desalination system

Engineers and workers from Korean heavy industry Doosan Enerbility Vietnam (Doosan Vina) have completed maintenance of two seawater desalination plants to supply enough fresh water for islanders in An Binh islet of Lý Sơn Islands.

Environment

More needs to be done in Asia to fully unleash its renewable energy potential: MoNRE

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday sent a message, highlighting seven focus points to fully unleash Asia’s potential for renewable energy development.