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October 5, 2016
By Jay Austin
A number of big changes have been made in UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay Ecological Park this year in order to help preserve this pristine environment. Earlier in 2016 we saw the government, together with the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, relocate a number of residents from the formerly active Vung Vieng Fishing Village to land-based accommodations, a move which was geared towards reducing the amount of waste released into the bay. The fishing village is still operational by day, offering guests the chance to see examples of daily life on the water, but the former inhabitants are now living on land in the evenings. The initial results of the move have seen the volume of waste significantly reduced, offering the water and surrounding environment a well-deserved break from the human effect. The relocation has had an interesting effect for tourism by creating an almost haunting emptiness to the village which is extraordinary to witness, as the village has gone from a living community to a living museum in mere months. As part of the relocation efforts, all residents were supported by the Vietnamese Government to find work on dry land and provided with substantially discounted housing as an incentive. Although this has been a big shift in the day-to-day lives of the former residents of Vung Vieng, the future ramifications for the environment are immeasurable.
In September, 2016 the Management Board of Halong Bay released a new environmental initiative from the Vietnamese Government in relation to the Thien Son Cave in the northern region of Halong Bay where a few Junk companies formerly offered an evening meal inside the cave as part of their Halong Bay cruise experience. In order to preserve the cave and, of course, the scenery and the surrounding environment the People’s Committee has requested that all cave dining experiences are to cease as of 1st October, 2016. Unfortunately, this decision was made and executed quite quickly – a common trait of the Vietnamese Government – and many tours booked through Journeys Within had promised this incredible experience. Our partner cruise company in Halong Bay still offers the opportunity to tour the cave however the evening meal inside the cave has now been replaced with the chance to dine by candlelight on a beautiful untouched beach, before returning to your vessel for the evening. Although many are sad to see this rare and unique tourism experience come to an end, the decision by the joint forces of the government and the people will better the environment for years to come by preserving both the inside and outside of the cave area.
We are seeing a fantastic increase in environmental initiatives such as this in the Northern regions of Vietnam. We are happy to see the continuing efforts in Halong Bay to follow the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO, whilst balancing the growth of tourism in the region for this rare and truly special natural site.
Hello there,
It makes business sense to reduce environmental impact on Halong Bay in an attempt to preserve its pristine environment. As expected, the move to evacuate residents from the Vung Vieng Fishing Village to land-based accommodations may be unwelcomed by many. However, I think it was one of the best decision towards reducing the amount of waste and resultant pollution of the bay. Evidently, it’s better to boost a constant growth of tourism in the bay for its truly special natural site than to allow continued pollution that would later put tourism at risk.
Best Regards,
Bhayacruise.