Vietnam may lose some beaches due to rising sea levels

According to experts, climate change has caused some beaches and tourist areas such as those in Hoi An, Kien Giang to shrink and may disappear in the future.

This is the result of analysis and research by scientists, mentioned at the conference Vietnam towards sustainable tourism in the era of climate change.Professor Peter Burns, an international expert on tourism, cited images taken from Google Earth, showing the change.after 10 years (2004-2014)of the coast in Hoi An due to rising sea levels. Accordingly, the sea water erodes inland up to 10 meters each year, not only causing the sand beaches to gradually shrink, but also seriously destroying many resorts here.

Hoi An beach in 2004 (top photo) and in 2014.Image:ESRT

Coastal areas and tourist areas in Vung Tau and Kien Giang are also in a similar situation. Experts emphasize that erosion deep into the mainland also damages cultural heritages, conservation areas, and eco-tourism areas...Some tourism infrastructure may be flooded, forced to relocate or put out of business, increasing costs for renovation, relocation and maintenance.

According to Mr. Bruno Angelet, Ambassador - Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU), climate change is currently a serious problem that Vietnam is facing. It directly impacts many areas, including tourism.

To respond to and minimize the negative impacts of climate change, Mr. Peter pointed out that the tourism industry needs to set out new, drastic, consistent policies and implement “green” business practices, linking tourism with environmental and climate protection actions.

Climate change also affects many coastal areas in Kien Giang. Photo: ESRT

A typical example is the successful model of anti-erosion combined with tourism development in Triem Tay village (Dien Phuong commune, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam) implemented by architect Bui Kien Quoc. In 2009, 2/3 of Triem Tay village fell into Thu Bon river due to severe landslides and floods. By protecting and developing the existing bamboo bushes, Mr. Quoc helped stop the landslides in Triem Tay (in 2011), turning this place into an eco-tourism and community destination that has attracted many foreign visitors since 2015.

To raise awareness about climate change and its impact on tourism,The EU-ESRT* project has introduced a set ofThe document “Guidelines for good practices on sustainable tourism development in the context of climate change in Vietnam” emphasizes the participation of ministries, sectors, localities, businesses, social organizations and tourists.

From the perspective of a tourist, a delegate said that by doing small things like turning off the lights and air conditioner before leaving the hotel room, using water sparingly, and limiting the change of bed sheets when staying for more than one night... you have contributed to reducing the impact on climate change.

Currently, some large hotels in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang... have also directed changes in accommodation services in a positive direction with specific commitments such as reducing 30% of food waste, using energy-saving light bulbs, providing environmentally friendly items...

According to VNE