Northern Quang Ninh province is taking a number of urgent measures to protect Ha Long Bay’s natural environment, said Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Huy Hau on November 14.
Local authorities will ban the handling of cargo in bulk in the area, and treat wastewater and sewage discharged into the bay by 2013. They will also minimise the encroachment to the sea, closely monitor industrial production establishments and urban projects, and raise the public’s awareness of environmental protection.
The province will establish an association charged with educating people on environmental matters that affect the Ha Long Bay area, act as an advisor to issue an exclusive decree on Ha Long Bay management and install environmental observation stations around Ha Long Bay.
By June 2014, the locality will complete the relocation of people living in the bay and arrange resettlement for mainlanders.
Coal will be transported by covered conveyer belts instead of roads, and coal screening mills relocated far from the bay, and open-air mining of the fuel ended by 2017.
The activities aim to develop local tourism in a sustainable manner for the future.