The northern province of Quang Ninh has officially ceased the
loading, unloading and transportation of goods, including clinker,
cement and wood chips at Ha Long Bay.
All these activities take place at Hon Net port in Bai Tu Long Bay.
The move is an effort by the local authority to preserve and promote
the value of the world natural heritage site in order to serve the
province’s sustainable socio-economic development.
Earlier, to protect Ha Long Bay’s natural environment, the province also
terminated the transportation of coal at the bay. Coal is transported
by covered conveyer belts rather than road.
Covering an area of 43,400 hectares, including over 1,969 islands and
islets, most of which are uninhabited, Ha Long Bay was recognised by
UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage in 1994 and voted as one of the
world’s seven new wonders of nature last year.
The bay welcomes 2.5 million tourists each year, including 1 million foreign visitors.
The province’s strict moves are expected to further develop local tourism.-VNA