Limit tourism to protect nature. This is the choice that Vietnam itself made by banning bathing on Hon Mun Island. A way to revive a coral reef that is severely damaged in places. The tourist island located off the city of Nha Trang (southern half of the country) is a popular destination for divers due to its diverse ecosystem. Recent photos taken from the shore have shown bleached and damaged corals.
” Nha Trang Bay Management Authority has decided to stop bathing and underwater swimming Around Hon Mun Island until further notice, authorities said. In a statement, they said the ban aims to “ assess the condition of the sensitive area in order to develop an appropriate plan to save the corals.
According to state media, in 2020, about 60% of the coastal floor was covered with living coral. That figure has dropped to 50% today. Authorities say powerful storms in 2019 and 2021 could damage corals, but illegal fishing, dredging, dumping and construction work are also blamed.
VIEW FILE – Travel to Vietnam, Figaro’s Guide
angry divers
Divers expressed anger at the decision. ” Swimming and diving had the least impact on coral reefs compared to other activities said diver Nguyen Son from Ho Chi Minh City. ” Without a sense of responsibility, fishing boats arrived and ravaged the seabed said diver Trinh Ngoc Sang, who believes rebuilding the corals will take decades. Corals are home to about 25% of the world’s marine biodiversity.
The communist nation boasts 320 km of coastline with crystal clear waters, abundant marine fauna and flora and fine sandy beaches. Coral reefs in Southeast Asia have been hit hard by global warming, and scientists have warned that their degradation could have devastating economic and environmental consequences.
Vietnam’s decision follows a similar measure taken in Thailand, which for months restricted access to the famous Maya Bay beach, immortalized in the film. Beach With Leo DiCaprio to give the local ecosystem a chance to recover.
Source: Le Figaro
