Ha Long to add a little green to the blue

In 2025, a collaborative initiative between local students and a cohort of Japanese-government-sponsored university professors and students has revitalized the beauty of Ha Long Bay by planting approximately 5,000 mangrove trees.

This plantation is part of a broader project aimed at promoting sustainable resource development that actively involves local communities. The initiative was spearheaded by the Management Board of Ha Long Bay and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The project aims to expand Ha Long's mangrove forest while educating local residents about the significance of these ecosystems. Once established, the mangroves will create a thriving habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. This enhancement of the natural environment will also offer a new attraction for tourists visiting this celebrated World Heritage site.

Ha Long, recognized as a World Heritage site, continues to draw a significant number of visitors from both domestic and international markets each year. Unfortunately, issues stemming from unregulated tourism have led to environmental degradation, impacting the water quality and overall experience. Mindful travelers often face a difficult choice between boarding a polluting boat or abandoning their visit. Given these circumstances, many opt for the former, which exacerbates the area's ecological challenges.

While such conservation efforts may feel overdue, the mangrove project represents a positive step toward ecological restoration and promises further initiatives to protect this iconic destination.