Vietnam province mulls bay withdrawal from landscapes list

The Khanh Hoa province administration is considering withdrawing Nha Trang bay from the Best National Landscapes list, claiming the listing is acting as a drag on development.

The magnificent bay is recognized as one of the best landscapes in Vietnam by the Ministry of Culture and Information but the country’s cultural heritage laws restrict construction in such areas. Nguyen Chien Thang, deputy head of the province People’s Committee, said this was blocking further development of the area. Earlier this month part of Hon Tam Island, one of the bay’s 19 islands, was leveled for building resorts and entertainment facilities by a local company. The work was halted by the local administration Friday for violating the laws. Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Tran Chien Thang said it was unprecedented for localities acclaimed for their landscapes to file for withdrawal. It could even be the only such instance in the whole world since authorities usually clamored for their areas to be included. The ministry would set up a forum for gathering public opinion before any decision was made. The bay was the property of the whole nation, not just the province. Nha Trang bay was acknowledged in 2003 as one of the most beautiful in the world by the UNESCO-backed Club of the World’s Magnificent Bays, joining Ha Long in the country’s north. Source: Thanh Nien, Tuoi Tre – Compiled by Tuong Nhi