(VOVworld)-A program to encourage incentives to conserve and protect the environment of Ha Long Bay and raise public awareness about the area was launched in the northen province of Quang Ninh on Tuesday.

The event is part of a Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba alliance initiative project which has been up and running since 2014 to protect and ensure the sustainable development of Ha Long.

“This is an important event, which will help improve the Ha Long Bay environment. It marks the beginning of a series of programs to protect the UNESCO-recognized world heritage site”, said Dang Huy Hau, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Commitee.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius and other participants signed a commitment to protect Ha Long’s environment.