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How are you protecting the bay?
Environment protection activities
in Halong Bay are based on the green
growth strategy of Quang Ninh prov-
ince. We educated every household in
the bay and also in coastal towns to
make them understand the need for
environmental protection.
In addition, the province has
rolled out projects to treat waste wa-
ter coming from Bai Chay and the
towns. One more important step is
to call for the engagement of tourism
enterprises and cruise operators. At
present, there are about 500 tourism
boats serving around 3 million tour-
ists each year. We understand that if
we do not manage sewage and waste
water discharge, we cannot protect
the environment. That is why we need
the participation of people and enter-
prises. Last but not least is the reloca-
tion of fishing villages. For years, we
have been recognising that sewage
and waste water discharged from the
villages pollutes the bay a lot so we
need them to move inland.
Is the relocation of fishing villages a
major challenge?
I must say this is very difficult be-
cause fishermen have lived there for
a long time and they earn their liv-
ing there. However, we educate them
about the importance of protecting the
environment and show them a better
life in relocation sites where they can
still live on fishing.
How many fishing villages will be
relocated?
There are seven fishing villages
on the bay and many households in
separate sites and all of them will be
relocated. We have already prepared
infrastructure for new places. The relo-
cation will be conducted from April to
the end of June.
What has the environmental educa-
tion of local people entailed?
Since 2005, the province has or-
ganised extracurricular activities in
schools to educate pupils about pro-
tecting the environment. This is very
effective. We also go to every house-
hold in the towns to educate them on
how to build a sustainable tourism in-
dustry and how the industry benefits
them if they make it better. In addi-
tion, we cooperate with the women’s
union and youth union to organise
volunteer days.
What is the biggest challenge?
The core industry of Quang Ninh is
coal mining and many mines are close
to the bay. These mines are the main
culprit for pollution and they represent
the main challenge. If we want to de-
velop a sustainable tourism industry,
we must scale mining back. There is no
other way.
Halong Bay has been listed as one of the new seven natural
wonders, but it is suffering from pollution. In a bid to make
it cleaner, the local authorities are implementing a com-
prehensive plan.
Pham Thuy Duong
, head of Ha Long Bay
Management Authority, talked to
Ngoc Linh
about what’s
in store.
KEEPING POLLUTION AT BAY
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