With a coastline stretching over 250 kilometers, more than 40,000 hectares of tidal flats, 20,000 hectares of straits and bays, and a vast fishing ground of over 6,100 km², Quang Ninh’s marine area is home to many valuable species and holds immense potential for the development of aquaculture and fisheries.

Over the years, the province has implemented a series of comprehensive measures to protect the marine environment, preserve the ecological and aesthetic value of bays and islands, and promote sustainable marine economic growth

Quang Ninh has made remarkable progress in integrated marine spatial planning, weaving together conservation, tourism, and economic development into a single sustainable vision.

Through its provincial master plan, the province has identified key ecological treasures such as Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long National Park, the Co To – Tran Island Marine Reserve, and the Dong Rui Wetland Sanctuary as priority zones for protection and responsible tourism.

These efforts are not only preserving world-renowned landscapes but also establishing biodiversity corridors that safeguard fragile habitats from the effects of climate change. Every regulation, from shoreline protection to investment zoning, is designed to ensure that Quảng Ninh’s coastal beauty remains timeless.

Quang Ninh’s sea is more than a scenic backdrop, it’s a living ecosystem. The province has designated three marine protected areas totaling 38,575 hectares and 13 fishery protection zones covering 3,440 hectares, where biodiversity can flourish and marine resources recover naturally. Each year, millions of aquatic juveniles are released into the ocean, part of a community-based fisheries management program that helps restore balance to the marine environment. Native species such as clams, peanut worms, and crabs are sustainably farmed across nearly 30,000 hectares of tidal flats, maintaining both livelihoods and ecological integrity.

Quang Ninh has recently become a national leader in marine waste management and pollution control. With 171 automatic environmental monitoring stations and nearly 400 surveillance points, the province closely tracks water quality and coastal emissions.

Initiatives like “Ha Long Bay – No plastic waste” and “Co To – Plastic-free island” are redefining how locals, tourists, and businesses engage with the ocean. Visitors now encounter pristine beaches, community clean-up campaigns, and creative eco-tours that turn sustainability into a shared experience rather than a slogan.

At the same time, Quang Ninh is expanding solid waste treatment infrastructure with 19 modern incineration facilities and 3 regional processing zones, all part of its commitment to keeping the sea as blue as the sky above it.

Technology and policy go hand in hand in Quang Ninh’s environmental journey. From AI-powered environmental monitoring systems to local technical standards for eco-friendly aquaculture, innovation is driving progress. All development projects now undergo rigorous environmental assessment to ensure that economic growth never comes at the cost of marine ecosystems. 

What truly sets Quang Ninh apart is its harmonious balance between conservation and tourism. Here, visitors don’t just come to admire nature, they become part of its preservation. Kayak through limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, dive among coral reefs near Co To Island, or simply enjoy the sea breeze knowing your visit supports a destination that values both prosperity and preservation. Through forward-thinking policies, scientific innovation, and community engagement, Quang Ninh has built a blueprint for sustainable marine tourism that other coastal regions across Asia are beginning to follow.

As the province continues to shine as Vietnam’s maritime gem, it sends a clear message to the world: “Protecting the sea is not just an act of conservation – it’s a promise for the future of travel”.

By Thu Nguyet