JICA helps boost green growth on Ha Long Bay
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on September 13 granted the “Blue Sail” certificate to two tourism ships operating on Ha Long Bay of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.
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The recognition is part of a JICA-funded project to boost green growth in Quang Ninh’s Ha Long Bay through the implementation of sustainable environmental protection and tourism development policies.
The 29 criteria for “Blue Sail” label focus on preventing and reducing noise and air pollution, cutting waste and wastewater discharge, and protecting bio-diversity.
After an assessment, the project’s evaluation council decided to grant the “Blue Sail” certificate and label to Au Co ship of the Bhaya Limited Company, and Secret Ha Long ship of the Bien Ngoc Limited Company.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Huy Hau said the province has implemented many measures to protect the environment, including Ha Long Bay’s environment.
The locality is also taking measures to improve the quality of the fleet of tourist ships operating on Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site.
Since the beginning of this year, Ha Long city’s People’s Committee has temporarily suspended 36 tourist ships on the bay, while 41 others have been permanently banned.
According to the city People’s Committee, there are currently 504 cruise ships and 68 high-speed canoes running on Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bays.
