subject: World Heritage Challenge - Halong Bay [print this page] World Heritage Challenge - Halong Bay World Heritage Challenge - Halong Bay
The limestone karsts of Halong Bay have been worn over thousands of years but outwardly there are only slight differences in the views from deck between the Emeraude and its predecessor a century earlier.
However Vietnam, the world and modern tourism have changed significantly and accordingly the bay faces increased environmental challenges.
I was lucky enough to be interviewed recently by DestinAsian magazine on this very topic.
Alongside my quotes they noted:
"The most visible culprit is the number of tour boats. While properly equipped vessels such as the Emeraude don't discharge sewage or toss rubbish overboard, many others are known to dump directly into the bay. In 2008, the provincial government of Quang Ninh, where Halong Bay is located, temporarily banned the construction of new boats. Authorities have since sought to keep substandard craft off the water, though enforcement remains uneven..."
However, as they point out, it's upstream where a large part of the problem lies. The article continues...
"Less than an hour's drive inland is a major coal-producing area centered on Uong Bi, a town entirely stained with soot. Residential refuse and heavy-metal leachates wind up in rivers that ultimately discharge into the bay, where, until recently, this toxic stew mixed with spillage from a coal-loading facility."
But I find reason to be optimistic. Every World Heritage Site has its challenges and is under some kind of duress. These are our particular issues. The local authorities are on to this, and now there are efforts afoot to upgrade the waste management and control development.
Here's hoping it's the start of sustained environmental improvement.
Be in the presence of the magnificent! Without a doubt, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Halong Bay continues to razzle the eyes and dazzle the senses. And you think all you're going to get is Halong Bay? Well, then let us introduce you to the Emeraude. This will be your base for exploring this natural and awesome UNESCO Site.
So, what is this Emeraude? Why would it make my Halong trip even more special? Imagine cruising in Northern Vietnam's impressive bay in an early 20th century replica steam ship. It went into service in 2003 and retains all the features, charm and atmosphere of the steamer during the early 1900's.
That should certainly make your Halong Bay experience one for the ages. And what about this natural relic? It is nothing more than a 1550 square kilometer water wonder featuring thousands of beautiful, picturesque, scenic (and the superlatives to describe them can go on and on) limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and forms.
