According to the conclusion report at the recent session in India, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) requested Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to report and explain a series of issues related to environmental protection, landscape as well as coordination in managing the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago.
The World Heritage Committee welcomes the extension of Ha Long Bay to the Cat Ba Archipelago, but notes that the detailed report on the Cat Ba Archipelago is limited in information; recommends a joint integrated management approach between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong for Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago.
The World Heritage Committee expressed concern over new tourism development projects and coastal residential areas in Ha Long as they could affect the global value of the heritage.
The World Heritage Committee requests local authorities to provide information on all planned development projects within the property, including the buffer zone and beyond, that may affect the universal value of the property.
The World Heritage Committee appreciates the appropriate measures taken by Quang Ninh to address the issue of waste and other forms of environmental pollution at the property, but notes that the World Heritage Committee continues to receive information on water pollution from third parties.
The World Heritage Committee once again emphasized the need for local authorities to promptly send the committee a detailed zoning map of the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, which clearly defines land use as well as the general management mechanism, including in the area recognized as heritage and the buffer zone, the larger area.
Welcoming the expansion of the carrying capacity assessment to the entire World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, the World Heritage Committee requested local authorities to promptly complete the carrying capacity assessment study as soon as possible, to perfect the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy and the Integrated Visitor Management System.
