Being recognized as a world heritage site is difficult, protecting and preserving it is even more difficult.

As Lao Dong reported, during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago as a world natural heritage.

Mr. Le Khac Nam, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee proudly called this a "victory". And this victory contributes to "extending the achievements" that Hai Phong has achieved. Because Cat Ba archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve in 2004.

This is also the third "extension of achievements" for Ha Long Bay, the last time this bay was named a world natural heritage by UNESCO in 2020 and before that in 2000.

And this is also the first time Vietnam has had an "inter-regional heritage" between two provinces recognized by UNESCO.

The recognition of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago as a world natural heritage is a great honor, opening up a wonderful opportunity for tourism development for both Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

But this is also a big challenge in how to exploit it optimally to serve the smokeless industry while ensuring the integrity of the heritage is not damaged by human hands.

The situation of cultural and natural heritages recognized and not recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam being violated in many forms in recent times has been quite common, despite UNESCO's recommendations and warnings about revoking their titles.

Most recently, tourists and locals have continuously written and drawn graffiti on the Flag Tower of Hue Citadel, despite the helplessness of the management unit, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.

Most recently, the survey team trampled on stalactites to take photos at Son Nu cave, which was recently discovered in Diu Do village (Truong Son commune, Quang Ninh, Quang Binh) in early September, causing a stir in public opinion.

According to Mr. Howard Limbert, Expedition Leader of the British Royal Cave Association, “those are rough impacts”. Because the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave - a masterpiece created from the essence of rock and water over a very long time, possibly hundreds of millions of years - are very fragile entities.

Back to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba archipelago. Reality shows that being recognized as a world natural heritage is very difficult, but protecting, preserving and promoting the heritage after being recognized is even more difficult.

"Victory" and "extending the achievements" of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba archipelago at this time is also an advantage. Because around there are many good lessons about success as well as bad in protecting and promoting heritage.

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