ALL FOR THE BLUE COLOR OF THE SEA
For many days now, on Ha Long Bay, functional forces, units, localities, businesses and fishermen have been fiercely collecting trash, specifically floating aquaculture materials such as broken rafts and buoys. Styrofoam after being dismantled, relocated, and converted to uncollected HDPE floating material affects the bay environment, leaving a bad impression on tourists.
Comrade Cao Tuong Huy, Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, inspected the aquaculture area and areas with foam buoys floating on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Hoang Nga
As soon as they learned about the incident, as the direct management agency, the Ha Long Bay Management Board reported to the Provincial People’s Committee and sent a document to the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association and other organizations and individuals operating the service. , tourism on Ha Long Bay coordinates waste collection and protects the bay environment. Notify localities: Ha Long, Quang Yen, Cam Pha, Van Don about the prevention of environmental pollution from illegal dismantling and relocation of aquaculture cages and rafts and strengthening management, Supervise the thorough collection of waste after dismantling and relocating illegal aquaculture cages and rafts… From March 24 to present, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has mobilized 25 ships, canoes, boats and nearly 100 people to pick up trash. at all fairways and sightseeing routes on Ha Long Bay. After collection, the amount of waste is brought to shore for treatment according to regulations.
Localities also urgently got involved. As of April 14, Cam Pha City has completed the collection of a total of 250,872 foam buoys, 1,037 pieces of bamboo, waste… and brought them to the gathering place for processing. Quang Yen Town has collected and brought ashore 1,800/128,000 foam buoys that need to be replaced. Ha Long City coordinates with the Ha Long Bay Management Board to salvage and collect discarded aquaculture materials from the localities of Van Don, Cam Pha, and Quang Yen drifting on Ha Long Bay with a volume of about 2,500m 3 foam buoys, 50 bamboo array…
Forces are mobilized to collect waste on Ha Long Bay and ensure completion before April 28, 2023.
In particular, on the afternoon of April 15, comrade Cao Tuong Huy, Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, directly inspected the aquaculture area on Ha Long Bay, areas with foam buoys floating on the sea. Comrade Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee requested all localities: Ha Long, Cam Pha, Van Don, Quang Yen to be responsible for collecting garbage in the area. At the same time, people’s activities of handling cages and rafts and replacing foam buoys must be strictly controlled to prevent littering in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay areas; Have a plan to monitor and recover materials and organize collection right from the source when trash is released into the environment. Ha Long City alone must coordinate with the Ha Long Bay Management Board to increase human resources and resources to collect waste and foam buoys, before April 28, 2023 to complete the collection of all foam buoys floating on Ha Long Bay to ensure environmental landscape.
Not only during this peak period, over the years, drastic measures and actions to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay have always been closely directed and seriously implemented by the province. Following closely the Environmental Planning of Ha Long Bay to 2020, with a vision to 2030, all levels, branches and units have implemented many practical solutions. To date, 100% of ships visiting the bay have installed oil-water separators to filter wastewater before releasing it into the environment, and do not dump waste directly into the bay. For aquaculture and fishing activities, the province also directs strict implementation of regulations on no fishing in heritage areas. Inspection and supervision of activities that have the potential to pollute the environment of Ha Long Bay are carried out regularly, continuously, and promptly to prevent and strictly handle acts that cause negative impacts on the bay’s environment.
Implementing the program “Ha Long Bay without plastic waste”, filtered water on cruise ships is used in glass bottles instead of plastic bottles.
Since 2019, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has launched the program “Do not use single-use plastic products in service and tourism activities on Ha Long Bay” and received positive responses from businesses. , business households, tourists. In particular, the Bay Management Board will consider suspending operating contracts for organizations and individuals with service activities on Ha Long Bay if they intentionally violate the content of the program “Ha Long Bay without plastic waste”.
DETERMINANTLY AND SYNCHRONIZED SOLUTIONS
In recent years, the goal of socio-economic development associated with environmental protection has always been respected, determined, and attempted by Quang Ninh. The Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025, clearly pointed out the province’s orientation: “By 2030, build and develop Quang Ninh to be rich, beautiful, civilized and modern; is one of the dynamic, comprehensive development centers, international tourism center, marine economic center, gateway to the Northern key economic region and the whole country, a sustainable urban development model. green growth, adaptation to climate change”.
On September 26, 2022, the Provincial Party Executive Committee issued Resolution No. 10-NQ/TU on strengthening the Party’s leadership in resource management, environmental protection, and natural disaster prevention and mitigation. disasters, respond to climate change, and ensure water security in the period 2022-2030.
Youth Group No. 2 (Ha Long Youth Union) launched troops to respond to the “Clean the Sea” campaign in 2023 on Ang Du Island (Ha Long Bay). (Photo: Ha Long Youth Union)
Following closely and concretizing those resolutions and goals, the work of protecting the marine environment continues to be strengthened and implemented synchronously and drastically. Accordingly, implementing the direction of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial People’s Committee on completely replacing foam buoys with HDPE floating material in aquaculture activities, coastal localities such as Ha Long, Cam Pha, Quang Yen, and Van Don have been Focus on organizing the conversion of foam buoys, as well as relocating and clearing illegal aquaculture activities affecting the marine environment. According to statistics to date, the whole province has more than 1.5 million foam floats that have been replaced with HDPE plastic floats, reaching over 60%.
To strengthen the protection of landscape and marine environment, the Provincial People’s Committee also directed localities to research and establish self-management groups on marine environmental protection, security and order with local government supervision for these areas. areas in the cage aquaculture planning approved by the competent authority. At the same time, focus on directing the comprehensive review and assessment of planning, assignment, and management of aquaculture marine areas in the area to ensure compliance and consistency with the Quang Ninh Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, around Looking to 2050 (approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 80/QD-TTg dated February 11, 2023) and related sector and field plans.
Along with that, strengthen inspection and strict management of aquaculture area planning; Strictly handle violations occurring in areas under its management, with no prohibited areas and no exceptions for all violations.
Doan Co To district organizes propaganda and provides paper bags to replace plastic bags for tourists, contributing to protecting the island environment. (Photo: Co To Center for Information and Culture)
Along with the involvement of authorities at all levels and functional sectors, propaganda to raise awareness and awareness for people to comply with the law and join hands to protect the marine environment is also actively carried out. through the “Clean the Sea” campaign, the “Green Sunday” movement…
In 2022, Quang Ninh will reach 17.12 points on the green index (PGI) ranking, among the group with the highest index in the country. This result is not only proof, but also motivation for Quang Ninh to continue responsible efforts and steadfast goals of environmental protection for sustainable development in the future.
INSIDER’S OPINION
Environmental protection is a key factor for the management, conservation, and promotion of natural heritage values in general, and the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay in particular. On the occasion of the campaign to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay, which has been fiercely directed by the province, reporters from the Provincial Communications Center recorded the opinions of a number of scientists, residents and tourists.
It is necessary to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.
Dr. Luu Hong Truong, Director of the Institute of Southern Ecology (Vietnam Academy of Sciences)
Seas and oceans play an increasingly important role in human life. One of the problems that need to be thoroughly resolved is pollution from plastic and plastic waste at sea. This is a problem that Ha Long Bay is facing and needs to be resolved.
In fact, foam floats and all types of plastic are dangerous, because they are very difficult to decompose. Not only does it affect the landscape, this type of waste also affects the ecosystem and aquatic life. Styrofoam floats and lots of plastic trash, causing large cover, will limit sunlight from reaching the water surface. This not only affects the water environment, but also the development of the ecosystem, surface aquatic organisms, floating animals, algae, seaweed… If left for a long time, it will cause quite big consequences. to biodiversity and ecological environment.
Therefore, it is necessary to immediately fix it by cleaning the sea surface. In the long term, it is necessary to thoroughly tighten and prevent the deployment of these materials and replace them with safer, more environmentally friendly materials, even if the initial cost is large. I know that this is the right direction that Quang Ninh province is taking. I think this is an effective solution to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay.
Impressions are not good with tourism products and seascapes. Halotour Director Tran Dang An
Since ancient times, we have always been proud of domestic and foreign tourists about Vietnam’s natural landscape. We introduce and take tourists to visit the beautiful destinations, blue sea, long white sand beaches… of Ha Long Bay. The above characteristics and attractions are indispensable materials in tours, sightseeing and resort tourism products of tourism businesses.
Therefore, the image of plastic waste and foam buoys arising on Ha Long Bay causes great displeasure with tourists, reducing the appeal of tourism products. We have approached and heard feedback from tourists who said that although they really want to participate in activities here, they see that the surrounding landscape is trash, visitors cannot freely have fun, and feel quite disappointed.. .
Therefore, I think it is necessary to urgently clean up and sanitize the environment and improve the image in the eyes of tourists. This is especially necessary when the summer tourist season is approaching. In the long term, it is necessary to strictly manage, implement community education programs, raise awareness, and even mobilize the participation of travel agencies so that people can benefit from tourism activities. on the bay.
There should be a specific action program to clean up the bay. Mr. Hoang Van Manh (Hanoi City)
I had the opportunity to travel to Quang Ninh many times. Every time I stop here, my family and I choose Ha Long Bay as the first attraction on our travel itinerary. What especially impressed me was that Ha Long Bay has beautiful scenery and a magnificent cave system.
But recently, the widespread situation of foam floating waste on the bay has somewhat ruined the beauty of the bay. If this problem persists for a long time, it will seriously affect the future heritage. As a tourist who loves beauty, I think the relevant authorities and units should join hands to have a specific action program to clean up the bay. Along with that, there is a specific form of punishment for individuals and organizations that repeatedly dump foam float waste, damaging the image and environment within the heritage site.
It is necessary to soon return the beauty and attractiveness to Ha Long Bay. Mr. Hoang Duc Tien (tour guide)
As a tour guide, involved in the activity of guiding tourists to visit along the route and tourist attractions on Ha Long Bay for more than 10 years, I have seen a lot of feedback from tourists rating Ha Long Bay as a tourist destination. come attractive. However, recently there has been a phenomenon of garbage and foam floats spreading across the bay, affecting many sightseeing, sightseeing, kayaking… activities of tourists. Therefore, tourists have complained, given feedback, and given low scores to travel businesses and destinations, despite good service quality.
There have been many opinions and feedback from visitors that I have heard myself. Although the quality of various types of tourism services in Ha Long has recently been highly appreciated, bringing satisfaction to guests from far away, if there were such a “hotel”, it would be the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay. It will not be possible to get a full 10 points in the hearts of tourists.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR URGENT GARBAGE COLLECTION
Implementing the direction of the Provincial People’s Committee, determined that by April 28, all garbage and foam buoys floating on Ha Long Bay will be thoroughly collected, returning the peaceful blue color of the sea, ensuring the landscape. clean and beautiful heritage environment, serving the peak tourist season, localities, units and functional branches in Ha Long City are mobilizing maximum forces and equipment to collect garbage and bring it to the gathering place. concluded and handled according to regulations.
Styrofoam buoys cause loss of scenery, affecting the experience of tourists when visiting Ha Long Bay. Styrofoam buoys and garbage create long streaks in the sea, drifting to the foot of the mountains.
Officials and employees of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment collect waste and foam floats in the Ti-Top island area. Photo: Hoang Nga
Garbage from small boats is gathered by Ha Long Bay Management Board staff onto large ships to be transported to shore.
Styrofoam buoys are gathered in the Ben Doan area to be processed according to regulations.
KEY FACTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The environment holds a vital position for the sea, directly affecting the development of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the habitat of aquatic species, thereby directly affecting the lives of species. People. Preserving the marine environment therefore has a lot of meaning.
With this determination, over the years, preserving and protecting the environment of Ha Long Bay has always received attention from Quang Ninh province even though this is a difficult task. Because between preservation and conservation and the needs and development requirements of many economic sectors, there are always conflicts and conflicts. However, environmental protection always comes first. Even UNESCO is always interested in and “scrutinizes” the environmental protection work of governments of countries and regions with heritage ranked as world cultural heritage and natural heritage, of which Ha Long Bay is not Exception.
It is said that protecting the environment of Ha Long Bay is difficult because in the past there have been many times that Ha Long province and city had policies to relocate floating houses and re-plan aquaculture areas on the Bay, but due to living habits, The living and doing business of fishermen on Ha Long Bay has existed for a long time. Living on rafts is deeply ingrained in the thinking and activities of fishermen families, so when it comes to moving ashore, it is a problem for them. There have been many times that Ha Long city has organized enforcement and relocation, but just one day, the next day it was “in place”.
However, with the right policies and appropriate solutions, people, businesses, especially households, have gradually realized the core issue that is the need to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay. for present life and future descendants. Furthermore, that is the way to take care of social security, ensuring the best health, education, and life care needs for the fishermen and their children.
After the successful migration, aquaculture areas and service businesses on Ha Long Bay were also planned and adjusted by each country, especially the application of scientific and technological solutions to minimize impacts. affect the marine environment. Foam buoys previously used to anchor rafts, fish and shrimp cages, barnacles, etc. have gradually been replaced by sustainable materials such as composite buoys.
Along with solutions at sea, solutions to eliminate environmental pollution from upstream are also directed by the province such as afforestation, treatment of domestic wastewater, especially wastewater from mineral exploitation, industrial production… Projects are closely monitored to ensure legal regulations on environmental protection.
The best thing is that through the implementation of solutions from propaganda and advocacy to the application of strict legal regulations in protecting and preserving the marine environment, awareness of all levels and sectors, Businesses to people have been constantly improved and enhanced. The movements “5 no, 3 clean”, “Turning trash into money” model, “Women’s waste collection group”, “Segregating and treating waste at households”, “Waste treatment at home” fields”, “Green Sunday”, “Trash-free route”… have contributed to significantly eliminating sources of pollution from shore to sea.
Currently, localities such as Ha Long, Cam Pha, Van Don, Co To, Quang Yen have been preparing to deploy many measures to rearrange seafood farming areas and services at sea; consider preserving and protecting the marine environment as a key, sustainable and long-term focus. This is the best way to pass on the most meaningful values of life to future descendants.
