Unesco recognizes Cat Ba Island’s bid to become world’ natural heritage
A meeting has been held between Mr. Dan Duc Hiep, Permanent Vice Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee and Mr. Richard Engelhardt, Regional Adviser for Culture in Asia and Pacific to discuss Cat Ba Island’s candidacy for world’s natural heritage.
A meeting was recently held between Mr. Dan Duc Hiep, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, and Mr. Richard Engelhardt, Regional Adviser for Culture in Asia and the Pacific, to discuss Cat Ba Island's candidacy for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mr. Engelhardt praised the island for its diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as its rich plant and animal life.
To help Cat Ba achieve its aspiration for world heritage status, Mr. Engelhardt recommended that Cat Ba emphasize 39 rare species and establish core areas and buffer zones where these species inhabit. Furthermore, aquaculture should be relocated away from core areas that are designated as no human activity zones, apart from research and monitoring efforts. He noted that Cat Ba has similarities with Langkawi Island in Malaysia, particularly regarding their populations of the endangered langur primates. Mr. Engelhardt stressed the importance of conducting extensive research on the eating habits of these species.
Other UNESCO experts concurred that Cat Ba National Park hosts an astonishing array of species and should be expanded to include the Long Chau Islands, located 15 kilometers southeast of Cat Ba Island, for enhanced conservation efforts. It is crucial to promote environmental awareness and education on Cat Ba Island while fostering a deeper connection between the local community and their natural environment.
The initial application for UNESCO recognition is now planned for submission in September 2025, with the formal profile expected to be completed in early 2026.
Cat Ba is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and boasts a rich variety of natural ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, contributing to its remarkable biodiversity. Local authorities continue to recognize biodiversity as a key strength of Cat Ba and are making concerted efforts to develop the island as a prominent tourist destination.
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