According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the proposal to add Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago to the World Heritage List will be officially considered by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its meeting in September 2023.
Cat Ba Archipelago is a collection of more than 360 islands, including Cat Ba Island located in the south of Halong Bay, off the coast of Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province. In September 2013, the nomination file for Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Heritage Site was sent to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. However, after the evaluation process, the organization drafted a decision, recommending that Vietnam consider extending Halong Bay to Cat Ba Archipelago, meeting the criteria for inscription. After a period of supplementation and reinforcement, the nomination file has now been completed according to UNESCO’s recognized criteria, while adding biodiversity criteria.
The purpose of nominating Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Heritage Site is to preserve and conserve the unique biodiversity values for future generations. Cat Ba Archipelago becoming a World Heritage Site will promote the development of the economy, culture, and society, improving the quality of life for Cat Ba locals, while also promoting and enhancing the image and status of the country, attracting investment in ecological economic fields.
This decision is expected to attract foreign tourists to Vietnam, especially those interested in exploring the natural beauty and unique biodiversity of Cat Ba Archipelago. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the flora and fauna of the archipelago. Halong Bay, a natural wonder already recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, combined with Cat Ba Archipelago, will offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience for tourists.
