The Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) has officially refuted rumors that Ha Long Bay has been removed from the UNESCO World Heritage list.

According to the Department, a recent Reuters report confirmed that UNESCO plans to send a team of experts to conduct an on-site assessment of Ha Long Bay, aiming to strengthen protective measures for this iconic site.

This move follows discussions at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held from July 21 to 31, 2024. The meeting addressed key topics, including periodic evaluations of World Heritage sites' preservation, the nomination of new sites, and strategies for managing global heritage.

Currently, 1,223 sites are recognized as World Heritage sites globally, including 952 cultural, 231 natural, and 40 mixed sites. Vietnam has not had any of its heritage sites listed as endangered.

Ha Long Bay, combined with the Cat Ba Archipelago, remains a priority for Vietnam’s preservation initiatives. The 46th session issued eight specific recommendations for its conservation:

Recognition of Vietnam's progress in creating coordinated management mechanisms between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces.

Monitoring of construction projects within the protected area to ensure compliance with UNESCO guidelines.

Ongoing efforts to manage pollution and waste to maintain water and air quality.

Submission of detailed zoning maps to UNESCO for the expanded Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago site.

Encouraging a UNESCO monitoring delegation to evaluate overall preservation efforts.

During the session, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, praised Vietnam as a model of collaboration with UNESCO and its advisory bodies.

He highlighted Vietnam’s initiative to enhance the cultural value of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago, considering the site’s archaeological significance with findings from the Soi Nhu, Cai Beo, and Ha Long cultures.

UNESCO has committed continued support to Vietnam in preparing dossiers for additional heritage recognition under cultural criteria.

Vietnam will closely adhere to UNESCO's recommendations when the expert team visits Ha Long Bay, incorporating their feedback into enhanced conservation strategies.

The goal is to strengthen the site’s protection while exploring opportunities to expand its recognition by highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

Tinh Le