Quang Ninh: 'Ha Long Bay has never been on the list of endangered heritage'

Head of Ha Long Bay Management Board (Quang Ninh), Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, affirmed that the information "UNESCO is considering removing Ha Long Bay from the list of World Heritage Sites" is baseless and inaccurate.

UNESCO's decision to remove Ha Long Bay from the World Heritage list is incorrect

On the afternoon of December 24, speaking to the press, Mr. Vu Kien Cuong - Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board (MB) expressed his opinion on the information that UNESCO is considering removing Ha Long Bay from the list of World Heritage due to concerns about development projects that could threaten this World Natural Heritage.

Information that UNESCO is considering removing Ha Long Bay from the list of World Heritage Sites is baseless and inaccurate. Photo: Hoang Duong.

Mr. Vu Kien Cuong said that the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to the criteria of aesthetic landscape in 1994. Up to now, the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay has never been on the List of World Heritage Committee for consideration and inclusion in the List of Heritage in Danger. Therefore, the information that "UNESCO is considering removing Ha Long Bay from the World Heritage List is baseless and inaccurate".

“UNESCO also clearly stipulates the process for considering and removing a heritage from the World Heritage List. This process includes a strict examination of the conservation status of the heritage, consultation with the host country and specialized agencies, and decision-making by the World Heritage Committee with the consensus of two-thirds of its members. No heritage is removed from the list without going through these steps. Furthermore, the report from the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (July 2024) commended Vietnam , Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city for preserving Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago, while noting the need to control coastal development projects and water pollution,” said the head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board.

At many meetings, the World Heritage Committee has expressed its opinions on construction works along the shore of Ha Long Bay. Photo: Hoang Duong.

Thus, according to UNESCO regulations, removing a heritage from the World Heritage list must follow a strict process. A heritage will only be removed if it has been previously listed as a "Heritage in Danger", which has never happened to Ha Long Bay.

What will the UNESCO mission inspect?

Regarding heritage conservation monitoring, UNESCO applies three forms of monitoring: Systematic monitoring, administrative monitoring and feedback monitoring. These activities aim to assess the effectiveness of the World Heritage Convention and the state of conservation of heritage.

As part of this monitoring, the World Heritage Centre and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will conduct a periodic inspection of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago in March 2025. This mission aims to assess the management, conservation and boundaries of the property, and to make recommendations for the sustainable protection of the property.

In preparation for this monitoring, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has worked closely with the Secretariat of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and relevant agencies. These efforts not only demonstrate responsibility in preserving the World Natural Heritage but also affirm Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining the outstanding universal value of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.

The ancient fishing village of Vung Vieng is preserved in the core area of ​​Ha Long Bay to serve tourism. Photo: Hoang Duong.

Regarding the concerns of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee with Ha Long Bay, the Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board said that at many meetings, the World Heritage Committee has expressed opinions on construction works along the shore of Ha Long Bay in Ha Long City that risk affecting the landscape value of the heritage.

Regarding this issue, the Ha Long Bay Management Board is currently coordinating with relevant units to prepare a report for the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee to review and approve. However, these projects are all in line with the planning and ensure the processes and procedures, while creating a highlight for the bayside space, creating more attractive products for tourists.

Regarding the issue of pollution in the coastal waters of Ha Long Bay, Mr. Cuong said that according to reports, about 60% of wastewater has been treated before being discharged into the bay. Previously, Quang Ninh province relied on ODA loans to build a system to treat all coastal wastewater, but due to many procedures, it is now switching to using the provincial budget.

Hoang Duong

Source: https://tienphong.vn/quang-ninh-vinh-ha-long-chua-bao-gio-nam-trong-danh-sach-di-san-lam-nguy-post1703727.tpo