At the event, Jonathan Wallace Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, announced that Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site. This recognition is a testament to the dedicated efforts of government agencies, relevant units, and local communities in promoting balanced and sustainable development of the heritage area.
According to Mr. Baker, there is still a long way to go to achieve the long-term goal of sustainable economic development and preserve this invaluable World Natural Heritage Site. The two provinces, along with local communities, need to continue their efforts to meet the requirements of the World Heritage Convention.
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| A representative from UNESCO presents the World Natural Heritage certificate to Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. Image source: Dan Tri |
As Vietnam assumes its role as one of the 21 member countries of the World Heritage Committee in 2024, the implementation of commitments to preserving this heritage site becomes even more crucial.
Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of Hai Phong City, expressed gratitude to UNESCO, the Government, and various ministries for their support. Hai Phong and Quang Ninh will work together to develop an action program aimed at conserving the outstanding universal value of Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago.
The Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago encompasses 775 limestone islands in Ha Long Bay and 358 limestone islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, all adorned with lush vegetation.
This site is considered a geological museum of global significance, bearing witness to the Earth’s historical development and boasting a diverse range of ecosystems, including marine-island, tropical, and subtropical environments.
The ecosystems within the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago showcase ongoing ecological and biological processes, as evidenced by the rich diversity of plant and animal life.
Additionally, the archipelago serves as a habitat for numerous rare species of flora and fauna, further emphasizing its ecological importance.
On September 16, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO officially recognized the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage site, cementing its status as a global treasure.
Painting contest held for buffaloes joining ploughing festival in Ha Nam
A buffalo painting contest for the Doi Son Tich Dien (ploughing) Festivalwas held on February 10, or the sixth day of the Lunar New Year in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, the northern province of Ha Nam.
Over 2.5 million go on pilgrimage to ancestral land
Some 2.5 million people flocked to the northern midland province of Phu Tho to celebrate the annual Hung Kings Temple Festival as of April 23 (the eight day of the third lunar month), said the organising board.
Pho Hien folk cultural festival kicks off in Hung Yen
The Pho Hien Folk Cultural Festival opened in the northern province of Hung Yen on April 21.
Sam Son sea festival slated for April 21
The 2018 sea festival of Sam Son city of the north central coastal province of Thanh Hoa will take place on April 21, heard a press conference held in the city on April 12.
Ha Long Carnival opens in Quang Ninh
The Ha Long Carnival, a highlight of the Ha Long – Quang Ninh tourism week 2019, opened in Bai Chay and Hon Gai tourism area in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 28.
