The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has called on the northern provinces of Quảng Ninh and Hải Phòng to submit detailed reports on the protection and coordination of management for the world natural heritage site Hạ Long Bay. This request was made following a recent session in India, where the committee raised concerns about several aspects of the site’s preservation.

The WHC expressed its appreciation for the inclusion of the Cát Bà Archipelago in the expanded Hạ Long Bay heritage site but noted that the report on Cát Bà submitted by local authorities lacked sufficient information. It recommended that Quảng Ninh and Hải Phòng adopt an integrated management approach for the combined heritage site, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the two provinces.

Concerns were also raised regarding new tourism development projects and coastal residential areas in the Hạ Long area, which the WHC warned could potentially affect the site's outstanding universal value. The committee requested more detailed information from local authorities about any planned projects within the heritage area, including the buffer zone, that might impact the site’s environmental and cultural significance.

While recognizing Quảng Ninh’s efforts to address waste and environmental challenges, the WHC noted ongoing reports of water pollution in the area. The committee urged both provinces to submit a detailed zoning map that would clarify land use within the heritage site and surrounding areas, as well as establish a comprehensive management framework.

Additionally, the WHC called for a faster implementation of a carrying capacity assessment to support the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy and the creation of an Integrated Visitor Management System.