World Heritage Committee requests reports on new tourism, residential developments in Hạ Long Bay area

November 13, 2024 - 17:24

The WHC has asked Quảng Ninh Province and Hải Phòng City to report on its plans for environmental protection, landscape preservation and coordinated management of the Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà Archipelago World Heritage site.

Vung Viêng fishing village is located in the core of the World Natural Heritage Hạ Long Bay in the northern province of Quảng Ninh. — VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH — The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has requested the two northern provinces of Quảng Ninh and Hải Phòng to report on several issues related to the protection and coordination of management of the world natural heritage site Hạ Long 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 Hạ Long Bay (Quảng Ninh) to include the Cát Bà Archipelago (Hải Phòng), but noted that the submitted report on Cát Bà was limited in information. It called for an integrated management approach between Quảng Ninh and Hải Phòng for the combined Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà Archipelago heritage site.

Expressing concern about new tourism development projects and coastal residential areas in Hạ Long 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 Quảng 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 Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà 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. — VNS

Tags Hạ Long Bay Quảng Ninh Province UNESCO

Hạ Long Bay extends sightseeing hours to 8pm from October 20

This change in the operating hours allows visitors to enjoy a longer stay on Hạ Long Bay in the afternoon, providing them with the opportunity to witness the stunning sunset over the bay during this autumn season.

Life & Style

Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà Archipelago honoured among global geological heritage for second time

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) honoured Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà Archipelago as one of the 100 world geological heritage sites for the second time at a ceremony to mark its 20th anniversary in the northern province of Cao Bang on Wednesday.

Life & Style

Foreign arrivals to Hạ Long Bay nearly double domestic number

With the ticket revenue to June 17 nearing VNĐ448 billion (US$17.6 million), the revenues the site earned this year is expected to exceed the target of VNĐ800 billion.

Society

Environmental protection efforts augmented in Hạ Long Bay

To help Hạ Long Bay remain a green, clean and beautiful destination attractive to domestic and international visitors, joint efforts by residents, tourists and the international community are necessary.

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

Transport ministry makes plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

According to statistics from the Ministry of Transport, from 2014 to 2021, the five transport sectors of road, rail, inland waterway, aviation and maritime emitted over 44.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Environment

Holistic approach needed to improve glass recycling

A holistic approach is key to developing solutions that can drive change in glass recycling in Việt Nam and the ASEAN region, experts suggested.

Environment

Waste woes: Việt Nam seeks sustainable solutions

On average, the country generates around 68,000 tonnes of waste daily, of which 38,000 comes from urban areas and 30,000 from rural regions.

Environment

Endangered langurs protected in central region

Positive results on the conservation of nature and endangered wildlife species were recorded in field surveys at reserves and national parks in the central provinces of Quảng Nam and Quảng Ngãi.

Environment

VN needs an appropriate ETS mechanism to develop carbon market

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, about 70 countries and territories in the world already have a carbon market, which currently controls about 11 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 20 per cent of global emissions.

Environment

Hà Nội looks to limit pollution-emitting vehicles in Hoàn Kiếm District starting next year

Under the draft resolution, which is set for review in December, specific emissions standards will govern vehicle access, with exceptions for electric vehicles and certain priority vehicles.

Environment

Yinxing becomes 7th typhoon to hit Việt Nam in 2024

Over the next 72 to 120 hours, the typhoon is forecasted to move southwestward at a slower pace of between 10 and 15 km/h, with its intensity continuing to diminish.

Environment

River bank erosion affects hundreds of households in central Việt Nam

Since 2020, the Vĩnh Định River bank in Vân Hòa Hamlet has eroded rapidly, particularly during the rainy season from September to November.

Environment

Environment ministry calls for reassessment of Red River Basin flood safety measures

Recent historic flooding triggered by Typhoon Yagi, which led to unprecedented high water levels in both upstream and downstream tributaries, has underscored the need for prompt updates to disaster response plans, dam safety procedures and emergency response protocols within the basin.