Develop tourism together with protect the ecosystem

Since UNESCO recognized Ha Long Bay as a world heritage site, it can be said that this scenic spot has been continuously honored, preserved in its original state, and put into tourism exploitation along with management and protection.

Compared with Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island also possesses typical and unique values. This world-famous biosphere reserve, a tropical rainforest area with a clean climate and environment, rich flora and fauna typical of tropical marine forests, has been built into Cat Ba National Park.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thiu, Director of Cat Ba National Park, said: "In the process of formation and development as well as social movement, there will be an impact on conservation work. Based on the sustainable development of forest and marine ecosystems as well as the conservation of natural resources on Cat Ba Island, especially for Cat Ba National Park, and at the same time serving tourism development, the management board has developed a sustainable forest management plan from 2020-2025, with a vision to 2030."

Also, according to Mr. Thiu, the city has approved the planning plan for forest management and protection of Cat Ba National Park. "To develop tourism, we will report to the city to make an eco-tourism and resort project for Cat Ba National Park. Based on the sustainable forest management plan approved by the city, we have also planned more than ten sites with a total area of over 345 hectares serving tourism and resort development in Cat Ba National Park as well as on Cat Ba Island to mobilize social resources as well as important investors and businesses interested in developing an eco-tourism resort in Cat Ba National Park," Mr. Thiu informed.

The director of Cat Ba National Park added that having a plan will be the basis for bringing revenue to the park. Besides, this is also the basis for authorities to manage strictly according to the planning. The development of Cat Ba tourism and conservation work will be closely linked in the coming time.

At ecotourism destinations across the country, good conservation work has helped increase the number of tourists. Additionally, investing businesses must comply with regulations and proposed plans. On that basis, the authorities propagate and educate people of all classes to raise awareness protect and preserve the ecosystem. From there, creating revenue and jobs for people.

"When people have jobs, income, and living standards are improved, awareness and responsibility in conservation will also be raised. And the ecosystem will also be preserved and developed. This is a sustainability issue not only for today's generation but also for future generations. As for the garden's responsibility, we are determined to preserve this ecosystem because this is the unique value of Vietnam. People, authorities, and tourists to Cat Ba Island need to be responsible for joining hands to protect the ecosystem and protect plant and animal genetic resources," Mr. Thiu emphasized.

Mr. Trinh Ba Dung, Director of Da Lat Star Company, shared: "Propagating tourism values on Cat Ba archipelago to people will help them be aware of the importance of natural landscapes. Helping them preserve the indigenous culture and promote the island's unique culinary style. That approach will create income and wealth for the people here."

Currently, Hai Phong City has a sustainable tourism development strategy. Specifically, the city has developed a tourism development project for 2020-2025, with a vision for 2030.  According to Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong Tourism Association, businesses must comply with local and government regulations and connect with the local community when building tourism products.

"The tourism association will actively propagate to its members so that they become increasingly aware of investing and building products with high environmental protection, ready to make the ecosystem more beautiful through the language of nature, introduction, and promotion. It will be a quality tourism product and sustainable development," the Vice Chairman of Hai Phong Tourism Association shared.

Head of the Department of Culture - Information - Sports and Tourism of Cat Hai district, Pham Tri Tuyen, said that during the holiday of September 2, 2023, Cat Ba tourism welcomed and served about 45,500 visitors to the island, of which the number of international tourists accounts for 13.8%.