Thanks to special and unique values, the Ha Long Bay world natural heritage site is a magnet attracting millions of both domestic and international visitor arrivals every year. In order to build the tourism trademark for Ha Long in particular and Quang Ninh in general in a sustainable and world-class orientation, Ha Long City has undertaken a series of new measures, including making planning of aquaculture farming outside the core zone of the bay.
According to statistics made by Ha Long municipal authority, there are 6 aquaculture farming locations in the core of Ha Long Bay with the involvement of 57 houses and 4 enterprises. They cover a total area of 93ha.
In order to ensure sustainable elements of the heritage, in August, 2020, Ha Long City made a report and submitting proposals to the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee on allowing the city to maintain 2 out of 6 aquaculture farming areas on Ha Long Bay, namely Vung Vieng, Cap Be, and Va Gia for purpose of offering tourist experience of typical cultural feature of the bay.
As for the 4 remaining aquaculture farming areas, Ha Long City has made planning for their new locations outside the core zone of Ha Long Bay World Heritage site. The new areas cover nearly 300 ha and adjacent to Tuan Chau – Cat Ba route and Vung Ba Cua Island in the east, to the boundary of Hoang tan Commune, Quang Yen Town and Bo Hung Island in the west, to Ba Mom route, Tra Huong Island, and Lach Ngan route in the south, and to Tuan Chau Island and Ba Mom route in the north. Aquaculture farming in those areas will not affect the heritage preservation, not be affected by storms, and in line with Quang Ninh’s environment plan to 2020 with a vision to 2030.
On the other hand, they enjoy favorable locations for tourism connection with Tuan Chau Island, Sun World Ha Long Complex, Green Ha Long Complex…In addition, aquaculture cultivation in the areas surrounding the boundaries of Hai Phong City and Quang Yen Town, which are granted to local raisers, have proved efficiency as aquatic creatures grow well.
Ha Long City’s proposals have been approved by Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Council. As planned, the city will complete the detailed planning in the 4th quarter of the year, in terms of locations for cages, cage design, and water-surface handover to households and enterprises. In the short-term, priority will be given to those who have to move out of the core zone of Ha Long Bay.
Translated by Quynh Trang
