On the momentous evening of September 16, 2023, local time in Vietnam, an extraordinary event unfolded as UNESCO officially bestowed the prestigious title of world natural heritage site upon the enchanting Ha Long Bay, nestled in the province of Quang Ninh, and the captivating Cat Ba archipelago, gracefully poised in Hai Phong city.
The profound declaration of this distinguished status transpired during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which convened on the aforementioned date. With the resonance of a ceremonial hammer, resounding with historical significance, the Ha Long Bay complex and Cat Ba archipelago, both of which are located within the geographical bounds of Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city, were reverently acknowledged and embraced as illustrious world nature heritage sites.
Le Theater Cruise Lan Ha Bay
The ceremonial proceedings unfolded at the exquisite hour of 5:40 p.m. on the eve of September 16, bearing witness to this monumental moment in history. It is important to note that, owing to the time zone difference, this meritorious recognition ceremony occurred at 9:39 p.m. local time in Vietnam, marking a monumental occasion for both regions. Notably, the grand Vietnamese delegation, entrusted with the responsibility of representing the nation, was led by none other than Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, who holds the esteemed position of Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage within the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien ably guided the delegation as its esteemed leader, underscoring the significance of this accolade.
The significance of this recognition was further underscored by the presence of distinguished local dignitaries. Among them were Mr. Le Khac Nam, the Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, the Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee. Their attendance added a touch of regional gravitas to the global acknowledgment of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba archipelago as world natural heritage sites.
It is worth noting that Ha Long Bay, situated in the Quang Ninh province, had previously received the esteemed accolade of being recognized as a world natural heritage site not once, but twice. UNESCO had previously extended this honor in 1994 and once more in 2000, establishing Ha Long Bay’s irrefutable credentials as a natural wonder of global significance.
The Au Co Cruise Ha Long Bay
The journey to see the Cat Ba archipelago join the ranks of world natural heritage sites began in earnest in 2013. It was in this pivotal year that an application was meticulously assembled and submitted to UNESCO, aiming to nominate the Cat Ba archipelago for world natural heritage status, based on the stringent criteria of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.
A meticulous and thorough appraisal process unfolded, led by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), culminating in a momentous decision. In 2014, during the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee convened in Qatar, a recommendation emerged from the IUCN, urging the committee to contemplate an extension that would unite the Cat Ba archipelago with the already-recognized Ha Long Bay, citing criteria, and potentially as the guiding principles for this significant expansion.
Halong Bay helicopter tour
The UNESCO recognition of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba archipelago as world natural heritage sites stands as a testament to their extraordinary natural beauty. These sites are characterized by a mesmerizing landscape of limestone islands, lushly adorned with vibrant vegetation, and punctuated by the distinctive and awe-inspiring peaks of limestone mountains that majestically rise above the tranquil sea. In addition, the region boasts a myriad of captivating karst features, including domes and caves, which further enhance its distinction as a globally treasured natural wonder.
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