PR training workshop for Ha Long Bay preservation project

The event was to provide public relations skills and knowledge for the project, which is operated by the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) from 2014-2017.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the project aims to involve the public, business community, local authorities and non-governmental organisations in initiatives promoting cooperation in preserving and sustainably tapping values of Ha Long Bay, said MCD Director Nguyen Thu Hue.

According to a 2014 report that Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Ha Long Bay is being threatened by tourism overload and water pollution due to mining and aquaculture activities in coastal areas.

Initially, about 100 locals living in need were chosen to pilot an eco-friendly livelihood method and involve in a sustainable aquaculture value chain. They later shared their experience with about 300 others to improve their livelihoods.

Around 90,000 local residents have been informed about the project via media campaigns.

The project is to realise a comprehensive master plan on Quang Ninh socio-economic development, aiming to turn the province into an industrialised, service and international tourism centre by 2020.

PANO