Vietnamese and foreign experts discuss management of Ha Long Bay, a  World Natural Heritage site (Photo: Trung Nguyen/ VNA)

They said the buffer zone around Ha Long Bay is narrowing and in danger from unorganized planning and environmental pollution by restaurants, hotels, and factories around the Bay. Dr. Truong Quoc Binh, a member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said it is essential to delineate Ha Long Bay’s buffer zone: “UNESCO and other international organizations have recommended border demarcation for buffer zones.  A consultancy agency is needed to define the borders of each buffer zone. Any construction project must abide by regulations of the buffer zone”.

Consultancy by foreign experts will help the Ha Long Bay Managing Board better manage the heritage site and build a plan for tourism development and risk management until 2021. Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi said expanding its buffer zone will not affect the value of Ha Long Bay’s core area: “Ha Long Bay’s extended buffer zone will cover Cat Ba area and southern part of Bai Tu Long, which consists a system of limestone mountains. The expansion of buffer zones provides more opportunities to adapt to changes and promote inter-regional connectivity”.