The custodians of Lan Ha Bay’s beauty
WVR - In the Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay complex, it is not only local authorities but also those who directly benefit from the area’s natural beauty who are taking the lead in protecting the environment. Among the most notable efforts are voluntary waste collection initiatives spearheaded by local tourism businesses.
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Since 2023, several international news outlets and travel magazines have conducted online surveys that placed the Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay complex on their “No list” - a ranking of destinations travelers are advised to avoid, citing pollution caused by unchecked littering in the bay.
This has contributed to a decline in foreign tourist arrivals to Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province. The situation was further worsened by Typhoon Yagi in 2024, which caused significant environmental damage to both bays.
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| What truly sets Lan Ha Bay apart is the strong environmental awareness and proactive engagement of local tourism businesses. (Photo: Tu Hai) |
Despite these challenges, local authorities, businesses, and residents have made considerable efforts to restore the landscape and preserve the environment. These joint efforts in waste collection and treatment have begun to yield visible improvements.
Pham Xuan Sang, owner of a cruise business on Lan Ha Bay, shared: “We understand that Lan Ha Bay is our lifeline. If we don’t act to protect it, no one else will. Initially, there were only small, individual efforts by each boat and each business, but over time, these have grown into a unified movement.”
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| The voluntary waste collection initiative led by local businesses is conducted on a regular basis. (Photo: Tu Hai) |
This voluntary waste collection campaign, led by local businesses, takes place regularly, typically in the early morning or late afternoon. Companies, from large travel agencies to individual boat operators, encourage their staff to participate.
Using small boats or kayaks, they venture into hard-to-reach areas such as remote beaches, rock crevices, and even underwater sites to collect waste, particularly plastic debris. The collected waste is then transferred to the Bay Management Board’s specialized vessels for proper disposal.
Nguyen Cong, a crew member of Aclass Cruise on Lan Ha Bay, noted: “Many tourists are surprised when they see us doing this work. They often express admiration, and some even volunteer to join. It shows that our actions not only help clean the bay but also spread awareness about environmental protection.”
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| Many businesses view this effort as a long-term commitment to safeguarding tourism assets. (Photo: Tu Hai) |
As a result of this grassroots initiative, the amount of waste, especially plastic in Lan Ha Bay has significantly decreased. The bay is visibly cleaner and more appealing, attracting environmentally conscious travelers. This enhances Lan Ha’s reputation as a responsible travel destination and helps safeguard its fragile marine ecosystem.
“We don’t just collect waste, but we also actively educate tourists about not littering,” said Le Van Thao, a representative from a local tourism association. “Right onboard, we operate professional waste-sorting systems that separate organic and inorganic waste. We’ve also installed cooling and sterilization equipment to minimize environmental impact before transporting the waste ashore for treatment.”
Thao believes that with continued cooperation between businesses and local authorities, Lan Ha Bay will retain its pristine charm for generations to come.
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| After collection, the waste is gathered and transferred to the Bay Management Board's specialized garbage transport vessels. (Photo: Tu Hai) |
Ultimately, the voluntary waste collection campaign in Lan Ha Bay stands as a shining example of proactive, community-led environmental stewardship. More than just a cleanup effort, this initiative embodies a vision of sustainable development where harmony between nature and human responsibility ensures that Lan Ha continues to inspire and captivate travelers from around the world.
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