Ha Long Bay: 30 years of preserving and promoting the value of world heritage

On the evening of December 14, at the Vietnam - Japan Labor Cultural Palace, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province solemnly held a ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay being recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage (December 17, 1994 - December 17, 2024).

Delegates attending the ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay being recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage (Photo: Du Quyen)

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic Committee, Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador, Chairman of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee. On December 17, 1994, Ha Long Bay was first recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage for its outstanding global landscape value. This is the first heritage of Vietnam to be included in this prestigious list. Not stopping there, in 2000, UNESCO continued to recognize Ha Long Bay for its special geological and geomorphological value. Over the past three decades, Quang Ninh province has made continuous efforts to preserve and promote the value of the Bay, fully implementing international commitments under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Special art program at the celebration (Photo: Du Quyen)

Since 1995, Quang Ninh has established the Ha Long Bay Management Board to professionally manage the heritage. The Prime Minister has also approved the conservation plan and issued strict management regulations, from environmental protection to biodiversity maintenance. Many policies, plans and breakthrough solutions have been implemented such as banning fishing in the absolute protection zone, relocating polluting facilities and building nature reserves. In addition, the province has also promoted infrastructure investment, from international standard passenger ports to cultural works such as museums and libraries. Community education is also a focus in the conservation strategy, Quang Ninh has brought heritage protection education programs into schools, organized propaganda campaigns to raise awareness of environmental protection and the Bay landscape.

To date, Ha Long Bay has welcomed more than 57 million visitors from all over the world with tourism revenue reaching over 8,600 billion VND. Not only is it an attractive tourist destination, Ha Long Bay has also been honored with many noble titles, including: World Natural Heritage for the second time (2000);   New Natural Wonder of the World (2011); International Geological Heritage of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago (2023). In addition, Quang Ninh province has expanded tourism space to reduce pressure on the core heritage area, connecting Ha Long Bay with sites such as Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To. Quang Ninh province is developing a plan to preserve and promote heritage values ​​in a new phase, focusing on: Further research on the cultural, historical and biodiversity values ​​of Ha Long Bay; Developing high-quality tourism products, linking heritage conservation with sustainable tourism; Promoting international cooperation, promoting the image of Ha Long Bay as a cultural and natural symbol of Vietnam. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, emphasized: “The presence of Ha Long Bay in the list of World Heritage is not only the pride of Vietnam but also opens up great opportunities for socio-economic development, especially tourism. The achievements demonstrate Vietnam's strong commitment to preserving heritage values."

Mr. Vishal V. Sharma speaking at the ceremony (Photo: Du Quyen)

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador, Chairman of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, affirmed: “Ha Long Bay is a symbol of the connection between people and nature. This is not only a natural wonder but also a source of inspiration, reminding us of the responsibility to preserve priceless heritage for future generations. Vietnam's success in preserving Ha Long Bay is a model for other World Heritage Sites.” Looking back on the proud 30-year journey, Ha Long Bay is not only a unique natural symbol of Vietnam but also a living testament to the efforts of the entire community to preserve heritage. From its majestic natural beauty to its profound cultural and ecological values, this heritage has, is and will continue to spread its special appeal to international friends.

Ha Long Bay is an attractive tourist destination (Photo: Du Quyen)

With the consensus of authorities at all levels, local communities and international support, Ha Long Bay promises to not only maintain its position as a natural wonder of the world, but also become a model for sustainable development, where people and nature blend to create everlasting values. Source: https://congly.vn/vinh-ha-long-30-nam-gin-giu-va-phat-huy-gia-tri-di-san-the-gioi-463294.html