Consultative workshop on the establishment of the Ha Long Bay marine protected area
On August 12, the Ha Long Bay Management Board held a consultative workshop to discuss the establishment of a new Ha Long Bay marine protected area. The event brought together representatives from specialized units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with scientists, experts, and relevant provincial departments and sectors.
At the workshop, managers, experts, and researchers shared outcomes and lessons learned from establishing and sustainably managing Vietnam’s network of marine protected areas.
They also presented updated scientific data on Ha Long Bay’s biodiversity, with a focus on its rich marine ecosystems.
Discussions explored the legal framework, management models, and essential factors for the marine protected area’s creation, as well as practical, effective solutions that balance conservation and sustainable use.
The proposals aim to safeguard the bay’s outstanding universal value, preserve its biodiversity, and align with the province’s blue economy strategy.
The workshop is expected to serve as a guiding step in drafting the official proposal for the marine protected area, ensuring the process is rooted in solid science, clear legal grounds, and long-term sustainability.
Notably, under Decision No. 389/QD-TTg dated May 9, 2024, approving the “Master plan for the protection and exploitation of aquatic resources for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050”, a portion of Ha Long Bay’s core zone was designated for a national-level marine protected area.
Against this backdrop, the study and development of the Ha Long Bay marine protected area proposal represent both an urgent and strategic step which not only preserves the integrity of the Bay’s heritage values but also enhances its global significance, contributing to sustainable development for generations to come.
