Speeding up the establishment of marine reserves

A corner — Co To Special Zone is a locality planned to establish a marine reserve.

According to Decision No. 389/QD-TTg (dated May 9, 2024) of the Prime Minister approving the Planning for the protection and exploitation of aquatic resources for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Quang Ninh has 3 marine protected areas, including: Co To - Tran Island Marine Protected Area, Bai Tu Long Bay Marine Protected Area and Ha Long Bay Marine Protected Area. These are marine areas that, in addition to their ecological and environmental values, are also the foundation for developing the marine economy associated with ecotourism, scientific research, and protecting national defense and security in the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

In fact, Quang Ninh sea has a high level of biodiversity, rich in genetic resources and aquatic resources, but is under great pressure from exploitation, aquaculture and tourism . In that context, accelerating the establishment and operation of marine protected areas is becoming more urgent.

Purchasing seafood in Co To special economic zone.

According to the plan, the Co To - Tran Island Marine Reserve has a total area of over 18,400 hectares, including a conservation area of over 13,230 hectares and a buffer zone of about 5,184 hectares. This is an area with a rich and biologically diverse marine ecosystem, typical of the offshore islands of Northern Vietnam. However, the coral ecosystems, seagrass and marine resources here are at risk of decline and need to be urgently protected.

The establishment of the Co To - Tran Island Marine Reserve aims to evaluate, manage and conserve marine biological resources, while creating a scientific basis for proposing solutions for reasonable exploitation, protection and long-term development of typical ecosystems.

Currently, the Provincial People's Committee has unanimously approved the project to establish the Co To - Tran Island Marine Reserve and approved the detailed planning. The project is invested by the Department of Agriculture and Environment (formerly the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), divided into 2 phases: 2023-2024 and 2025-2027, associated with the implementation of livelihood plans for organizations and individuals currently exploiting and cultivating within the project scope.

The preparation process was technically supported by the Center for Marine Life Conservation and Community Development (MCD), in coordination with domestic and foreign organizations, such as the Oceans5 Program and the Rockefeller Foundation. Research activities, surveys, and workshops to gather opinions from experts and the community were organized, ensuring scientificity, feasibility and high consensus among relevant parties.

The early establishment and operation of the Co To - Tran Island marine reserve not only contributes to the conservation of marine ecosystems and aquatic resources, but also helps to enhance the position of Quang Ninh in the national network of marine reserves, promoting the development of a modern blue marine economy.

In addition to establishing the Co To - Tran Island Marine Reserve, the Bai Tu Long Bay Management Board is also developing a project to establish a national-level Bai Tu Long Bay Marine Reserve, with a total natural area of more than 15,700 hectares, including 9,600 hectares of sea surface. The project's goal is to expand the protected area, add the marine component to the management system of Bai Tu Long National Park, and unify research, monitoring, protection and development of biological resources.

From now until 2027, the relevant authorities will focus on investigating and assessing the current status of biodiversity, environment, ecosystem, socio-economy and fisheries, and at the same time, consulting with relevant authorities and the community to complete the dossier to submit to competent authorities for approval.

As for the Ha Long Bay Marine Reserve, on August 12, the Ha Long Bay Management Board held a consultation workshop on the establishment of a marine reserve, with the participation of specialized agencies, scientists and experts. The workshop shared experiences in managing and conserving marine ecosystems; discussed the legal basis, management models and feasible options for the construction of the reserve. The establishment of the Ha Long Bay Marine Reserve is considered an urgent and strategic solution to preserve the integrity of the World Natural Heritage, while promoting outstanding values to serve the development of a green and sustainable marine economy.

With a solid "three-legged" orientation, including high-tech aquaculture - reasonable exploitation - sustainable marine conservation, Quang Ninh is gradually creating a balance in the development of the fisheries economy. The system of marine conservation areas is not only an "ecological shield" to protect the homeland's sea and islands, but also a "natural capital" to nurture and restore aquatic resources, supporting the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. Thereby helping Quang Ninh complete the overall picture of marine conservation, becoming a pioneering locality in the country in developing sustainable fisheries and marine economy, harmonizing economic growth, environmental protection and social security.

Huu Viet

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/day-nhanh-tien-do-thanh-lap-khu-bao-ton-bien-3378931.html