UNESCO Representative in Vietnam: "Vietnam's contributions to Ha Long Bay are a model example in the work of protecting world natural heritage."

"Compared to other countries, Vietnam stands out for the creative involvement of stakeholders and its prioritization of conservation to ensure long-term sustainability," said Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of UNESCO Vietnam, affirming Vietnam's 30-year journey in conserving Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage site.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay being designated a World Natural Heritage site (1994-2024), a reporter from the Nhan Dan newspaper conducted an interview with Mr. Jonathan Baker. He provided an assessment of the achievements in heritage conservation and offered recommendations for Vietnam in developing a sustainable heritage conservation strategy.

Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam

Reporter: "With the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay being recognized as a World Natural Heritage site (1994-2024), Ha Long Bay has been effectively managed, protected, and utilized as a priceless resource for Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh province in particular. How do you assess Quang Ninh's efforts in conserving Ha Long Bay?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "Over the past 30 years, Quang Ninh province has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to conserving the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of Ha Long Bay. Through comprehensive management strategies and integrating heritage conservation into development policies, the province has elevated Ha Long Bay to become a globally recognized symbol of Vietnam's natural and cultural identity.
Cooperation with UNESCO and international experts has played a key role in applying integrated management methods that meet global conservation standards. These efforts not only protect the site but also position it as a foundation for sustainable economic growth, with tourism being a key driver.
The collaboration between provincial authorities and local communities, as well as adherence to UNESCO guidelines, also sets a standard for other regions."

Reporter: "What is Ha Long Bay's role and significance within the global natural heritage system today?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "Ha Long Bay is an iconic site within the World Natural Heritage Network, representing the interaction between unique geological processes and biodiversity.
The heritage site is a symbol of outstanding natural beauty and geological significance, with thousands of limestone mountains and islands shaped over millions of years. It is also home to a diverse ecosystem, including unique marine species, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts."

Reporter: "This heritage site not only holds natural value but is also closely linked to the cultural heritage of the local community, reflecting the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. It has inspired conservation models worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. The recognition of this site as a World Heritage emphasizes the important role of international cooperation in conserving natural wonders, promoting cross-border conservation initiatives, and raising global awareness of heritage preservation."

Reporter: "Quang Ninh has developed a new master plan for the long-term management and conservation of Ha Long Bay, with annual adjustments to avoid practices like mountain destruction and land reclamation. Importantly, Quang Ninh has ensured social welfare goals while maintaining the cultural values of fishing villages to support professional community-based tourism, with the involvement of the community in heritage conservation. How does UNESCO assess Vietnam's heritage conservation efforts for Ha Long Bay? Compared to other countries, what are the notable strengths of Vietnam’s approach?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "UNESCO considers Vietnam's contributions to Ha Long Bay as a model example of heritage conservation. The annual adjustments integrated into the master planning reflect a dynamic approach, prioritizing conservation while promoting sustainable development.
The local community is central to Vietnam's conservation efforts. By integrating cultural heritage into tourism activities, the Ha Long Bay Management Board not only preserves traditional practices but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility in protecting the area. Social welfare measures and the preservation of fishing villages highlight Vietnam’s focus on balancing cultural values with community welfare.
Promoting ecotourism has become a driver of economic growth, stimulating sustainable development while ensuring the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem health. These efforts emphasize the harmonious relationship between conservation and socio-economic progress.
Compared to other countries, Vietnam stands out for the creative involvement of stakeholders and its prioritization of conservation to ensure long-term sustainability."

Reporter: "Vietnam, in general, and Quang Ninh province, in particular, have many tourism promotion programs and have developed new tourism products to attract both domestic and international visitors. In your opinion, has the approach to conserving and promoting the heritage of Ha Long Bay followed UNESCO’s criteria?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "Vietnam and Quang Ninh province have made significant progress in aligning their conservation and heritage promotion efforts with UNESCO’s criteria.
Their willingness to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and tourism development demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site.
UNESCO’s criteria emphasize the need for integrated management and stakeholder involvement to ensure that sustainable practices are reflected throughout the tourism value chain, protecting both the cultural and natural values of the site.
The local community plays an active role in tourism activities, promoting cultural heritage and benefiting economically.
However, continuous monitoring and adjustment are necessary to ensure that tourism activities do not undermine the Outstanding Universal Values of Ha Long Bay."

Reporter: "In managing Ha Long Bay effectively, besides human resources, the role of the local population is also crucial. How do you assess the role of the community, especially the indigenous people, in conserving and promoting the heritage values?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "The community, particularly the indigenous people, plays a crucial role in the conservation of Ha Long Bay. Their deep knowledge of the ecosystem, traditions, and local sustainable practices is invaluable in managing the heritage site effectively.
Community-based tourism initiatives, with active participation from the local population in guiding and introducing cultural activities, have protected traditional livelihoods and enriched visitors' experiences, fostering a deeper connection between tourists and the heritage site."

Reporter: "In your opinion, should limiting mass tourism and focusing more on environmental protection tourism activities be a direction for Ha Long Bay and other world natural heritage sites in general, to harmoniously and sustainably utilize the heritage?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "Limiting mass tourism and focusing on sustainable tourism activities must be a top priority for Ha Long Bay and other World Heritage sites.
By prioritizing quality over quantity, Vietnam can protect the natural landscape and biodiversity of Ha Long Bay while providing unique and enriching experiences for visitors.
Strengthening the management of Ha Long Bay with additional resources to improve monitoring and conservation efforts is essential.
Tourists must take responsibility for protecting and preserving the heritage, which can be achieved through targeted communication and education on responsible tourism.
The adoption of sustainable approaches and clear solutions will make Ha Long Bay a model for other regions across the country.
Policies such as limiting access to sensitive areas, certifying ecotourism operators, and promoting low-impact tourism will ensure the long-term sustainability of the area."

Reporter: "One of the biggest challenges for cultural and heritage conservation is the increasing number of tourists, environmental degradation, and the protection of natural landscapes. In the near future, Quang Ninh will promote several projects to offer visitors more ways to explore the stunning nature of Ha Long Bay. Given these challenges, what do you think we need to do to improve conservation efforts?"

Mr. Jonathan Baker: "To enhance sustainable tourism at Ha Long Bay, the following measures could be considered:

• Developing stricter visitor management policies, including limits on tourist capacity and boat traffic.

• Promoting environmentally friendly tourism activities, eliminating single-use plastics, and encouraging green energy in transportation.

• Strengthening the legal framework for businesses operating in the bay to ensure compliance with conservation goals.

• Developing cultural and creative tourism experiences that reflect the values of the heritage site, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the heritage.
  Additionally, you need to continue investing in heritage education campaigns to raise awareness among tourists and local stakeholders about the importance of protecting the Outstanding Universal Values of the site.
  Ensure effective governance structures to manage the area comprehensively, ensuring coordination among stakeholders.
  Lastly, increasing international cooperation to share best practices and support sustainable projects will be crucial.

• Fish farms at Cửa Vạn fishing village.

• Reporter: "Could you provide some recommendations for effectively conserving and enhancing the values of the Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago heritage systems?"

• Mr. Jonathan Baker: "UNESCO recommends that you establish a unified management framework for Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago to ensure that conservation efforts are cohesive.
  Regarding scientific research, there should be ongoing investment in biodiversity research to guide conservation strategies and the ecological value of the area.
  Additionally, promoting sustainable tourism through detailed management plans that integrate conservation and development, ensuring a balance between economic benefits and environmental preservation, is crucial.
  You should develop strict visitor management strategies and create tourism products and services that offer visitors enriching experiences based on the heritage values of the site.
  Empowering local communities through training in ecotourism, traditional crafts, and hospitality will strengthen both cultural conservation and economic participation.
  There should be policies encouraging green tourism development through environmentally-friendly infrastructure and stringent environmental regulations for operators.
  Expanding community training programs to increase local involvement in conservation efforts and sustainable tourism is also vital.
  For awareness campaigns, you need to develop educational initiatives that emphasize the ecological and cultural significance of the bay, targeting both local and international audiences.
  Furthermore, leveraging partnerships with global conservation organizations will provide funding and technical expertise, and regularly updating management strategies based on scientific findings and stakeholder input will help address emerging challenges and ensure long-term conservation."

• Translated by Thuy Ha

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