Hai Phong (VNA) – A scientificworkshop on conserving biodiversity in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago washeld in the northern port city of Hai Phong on August 24.

The event was organised by the InternationalUnion for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as part of the Ha Long – Cat BaAlliance initiative financed by the US Agency for International Development(USAID).

The workshop created an opportunity forscientists to define the values of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago, updateinformation on biodiversity and discuss measures to protect biological diversity.

In June 2017, a group of scientists made afact-finding tour to Cat Ba to evaluate its outstanding values, focusing ongeological and biodiversity values. This is an important part in preparingdossiers to propose the expansion of Ha Long Bay, including Cat Ba Archipelago.

Domestic scientists revealed research works onthe biodiversity of underground caves and saltwater lakes, special features ofHa Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.

With financial support from USAID, the Ha Long –Cat Ba Alliance initiative was launched in 2014 aiming to build cooperationbetween local government, businesses and the community, through which promotingactivities for environmental protection and conservation in Ha Long – Cat Ba.

In 2015, the alliance formed a management boardto engage enterprises in tackling environmental issues related to firmsproviding cruise services, while giving technical support to UNESCO in managingHa Long Bay and proposing the expansion of the already recognised World NaturalHeritage Site that includes Cat Ba archipelago.

In the first phrase of the project, throughUSAID, the US Government supplied financial assistance for the IUCN and theCentre For Marinelife Conservation and Community Development.

In the second phase, USAID will continueproviding financial assistance to the IUCN to encourage the involvement ofenterprises in preserving and protecting the site and assist the State indesigning policies to promote such activities.

It will also help Vietnam re-apply for Ha LongBay’s World Natural Heritage Site for the third time, aiming to improve themanagement of the environment in the site.

Located 45 kilometres east of Hai Phong, Cat Baboasts a typical ecological system in Vietnam, including tropical rain forestson limestone islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, sea grass, sand beachesand cave networks. 

Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay in the northern provinceof Quang Ninh is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. UNESCO describesthe bay as a "spectacular seascape of limestone pillars" and an"ideal model of a mature karst landscape developed in a warm and wettropical climate."-VNA