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T
he profile that has been compiled
for UNESCO showcases Cat Ba Ar-
chipelago’s global value in terms of
its rare biodiversity which is com-
patible with the World Heritage Conven-
tion. The report makes clear the difference
between this area and Halong Bay which is
key to acquiring UNESCO recognition.
Scientists have established that the
Cat Ba Archipelago heritage zone does not
cover the Halong Bay area. This is because
the development of the Cat Ba Archipelago
and Halong Bay was affected by ecological
barriers, diverse rivulets and the Lan Ha
Gulf which plunges to 39m. This vast water
body hindered species like the white-head-
ed langurs leaving the archipelago. Moreo-
ver, the islands surrounding Halong Bay,
often small in area, were unable to form
a tropical rainforest eco system as widely
seen on Cat Ba Archipelago’s 100sq.km-
plus karst islands. Besides, totally cut off
from the mainland, the Cat Ba Archipelago
was long protected from the penetration of
mainland species.
The Haiphong City Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism deputy head,
Nguyen Anh Tuan, says UNESCO ought
to bestow the world natural heritage title
on the Cat Ba archipelago because of its
outstanding value in respect to its tropi-
cal ecosystem and unique biodiversity. Ac-
cordingly, the archipelago is an excellent
model of typical tropical and subtropical
ecosystems which are higher in number
than in any other Asian area. It includes
the largest limestone island in Asia, un-
touched tropical rainforests, mangrove
forests, coral reefs, tide pools and a salt-
water lake. Of the archipelago’s species,
76 are on the International Union for Con-
servation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. Cat
Ba’s white-headed langur is one of the
25 most endangered primate species and
needs global protection.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR HERITAGE SITE
PROTECTION
To help the Cat Ba archipelago acquire
world natural heritage recognition, a com-
prehensive plan and strategy is needed.
Therefore, in upcoming years. in order to
avoid negative effects on the heritage, eco-
nomic activities must be monitored and
50
timeout
The Cat Ba
Archipelago has
already been hon-
oured as a world
nature reserve by
UNESCO, but now
the authorities are
working to have it
recognised as a
UNESCO world nat-
ural heritage site.
Dinh Thuy
reports
RED RIVER DELTA TOURISM
Preserving diversity