Ha Long Bay is part of the province of Quang Ninh and is located in the northeast corner of Viet Nam. Ha Long Bay was made a National Protection Area in 1962 by the Vietnamese government and in 1994 was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under Natural Criterion N (i) for its natural beauty.
In November 2000, at the 24 th session, it was further inscribed under Criterion N (iii) for its unique geomorphic characteristics. Further research into the area since the last inscription suggests that Ha Long Bay and its environs plays home to a significant number of endemic species and displays a remarkable degree of biodiversity. As such, Ha Long Bay potentially satisfies an unprecedented third criterion for a world heritage site in Viet Nam, as containing ‘the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity.’
There are many sites of historical significance and archaeological remains in and around the Bay and, in addition, it is strongly represented in the myths and legends of the Vietnamese people.
Ha Long Bay is one of Viet Nam’s most visited tourist attractions, with benefits from the tourism industry flowing back into the local economy. However, with these opportunities come also threats to the area. Pollution of land and water is likely to have long term adverse impacts on the health of the local community, as well as discouraging tourist visitation.
Challenges presented to the natural and cultural environment by increased development, especially with respect to industry and tourism, if not guided and managed responsibly could lead to the destruction of the very features of Ha Long Bay that make it such a national - and international - treasure. The challenge is how to manage the area in such a way as to draw on, and at the same time protect, its exceptional natural and cultural resources.
(Source: Unesco)
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