Key policies and community efforts preserving Halong Bay
Driven by the strong determination of local
authorities and the collaborative efforts of the
business community and tourists, environmental
protection and plastic waste reduction initiatives in
Halong Bay are yielding positive results, helping to
preserve the landscape and environment of this heritage
site.
Halong Bay, a World Natural Heritage site, is not only a
source of pride for Quang Ninh but also an invaluable
treasure for Vietnam and the world. To protect the bay's
environment, Quang Ninh has issued and implemented
various major policies in recent years to enhance
heritage protection. These include relocating all
floating fishing village residents to the mainland;
prohibiting fishing within the heritage site's core
zone; zoning aquaculture areas outside the heritage
site; and improving the quality, safety, and operational
efficiency of tourist vessels while reducing their
overall numbers.
Notably, since September 1, 2019, the Management Board
of Halong Bay – Yen Tu World Heritage Site has
implemented the "Plastic-Free Halong Bay" program. The
initiative encourages tourism service providers, travel
agencies, and visitors to avoid using single-use plastic
products while visiting the bay. Items such as plastic
bottles, plastic bags, and plastic straws are gradually
being replaced with suitable, eco-friendly alternatives.
At passenger ports, before boarding vessels to tour
Halong Bay, visitors are advised against bringing or
using single-use plastic products. Such reminders at
ticket checkpoints encourage visitors to proactively
adjust the items they carry, fostering a shared
commitment to environmental preservation throughout
their journey. Information regarding environmental
protection is also disseminated via loudspeaker systems,
signage, and visual materials at the port and tourist
destinations.
Notably, on June 5 and 6, 2026, at the Halong
International Cruise Port, authorities conducted an
awareness campaign urging tourists not to bring plastic
waste onto boats touring the bay, while also reminding
boat owners to comply with regulations on limiting
single-use plastic products. To help shift habits,
authorities distributed non-woven fabric bags-as
alternatives to plastic bags-to tourists boarding the
sightseeing boats. Thanks to this proactive engagement,
the majority of visitors responded enthusiastically,
complying with the rules against bringing or using
single-use plastic products while visiting the bay.
According to a report by the Management Board of the
Halong Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Site, 100% of
businesses and households operating tourist boats and
tourism services within the heritage site's core zone
have signed a commitment to participate in the program.
Single-use plastic waste resulting from tourism
activities at sightseeing spots has been reduced by over
90%.
Authorities collecting floating waste on Halong Bay
Beyond awareness-raising efforts, waste collection
activities on the bay continue to draw active
participation from various organizations and businesses.
Since the beginning of the year, numerous cleanup
campaigns have been organized in areas surrounding
islands, at sightseeing spots, and in adjacent zones.
Notably, on May 23, the Youth Union of the Halong Bay -
Yen Tu World Heritage Site Management Board collaborated
with the Youth Union of Petrolimex Quang Ninh One Member
Limited Liability Company to mobilize 30 people to clean
up the Ang Du Island area, collecting approximately 20
cubic meters of waste. Subsequently, on May 28, the
“Clean the Bay 2026” program-organized by Bhaya Cruises
Co., Ltd. near the Ba Men Temple-attracted over 80
volunteers and resulted in the collection of more than
600 kg of various types of waste. On June 8, the
Management Board of the Halong Bay - Yen Tu World
Heritage Site collaborated with the Cat Ba Bay
Management Board to collect over 20 cubic meters of
waste from the areas of Hon Gom Giua and Hon Dam Nam,
transporting it to the shore for proper disposal.
Alongside waste collection efforts in the bay, the
replacement of polystyrene floats on floating structures
is also proceeding. According to reports from the Halong
Bay heritage management authority, 99% of the
polystyrene floats on floating structures within the
core zone have now been replaced with sustainable,
eco-friendly materials.
Building on these achievements, the Halong Bay - Yen Tu
World Heritage Site Management Board will continue to
coordinate with relevant departments, agencies, and
local authorities to control coastal waste sources and
prevent waste from spreading into the bay. Waste sorting
must be integrated with synchronized collection,
transportation, and treatment processes. As reducing
single-use plastics becomes a standard practice across
cruise operations, service activities, and community
life, the preservation of the Halong Bay environment
will rest on a more sustainable foundation.
Halong tours - Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
Vietnam, is famous for its stunning emerald waters and
thousands of limestone karsts and islands. Visitors
enjoy cruise tours, kayaking, and exploring caves. Its
breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it a
must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure
seekers alike.
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