VietNamNet Bridge – The People’s Committee of the central Quang Nam Province has urged Hoi An City authorities and relevant agencies to re-examine legal papers of construction projects on Cu Lao Cham Islands.

A view of Cu Lao Cham Islands. – VNA/VNS Photo

In a document on protecting the biodiversity of the islands sent to the relevant authorities on Wednesday, vice chairman of the committee, Le Tri Thanh, asked investors building resorts in the area to publicise their plans and inform the local authorities about the progress, time and location of their project.

For ongoing tourism projects on Bac Beach, it was necessary to ensure that the construction would not affect the restoration of coral reefs and seagrasses and the spawning of marine turtles.

No construction project on Cu Lao Cham Islands, whose environmental impact assessments had been approved before 2009, was on the list for another environmental impact assessment.

However, the investors were required to update information and new planning of UNESCO about the world biosphere reserve to ensure the construction did not have any impact on the islands, Thanh said.

Previously, local press had reported that many tourism projects were approved and built on Cu Lao Cham Islands, which raised public concerns over the negative impact on the islands’ environment and biodiversity.

The project of Cu Lao Cham Investment, Tourism and Commerce Joint Stock Company to build resorts, which reportedly encroached upon forest areas with large-scale construction work, received disapproval from the local authority and residents.

Cu Lao Cham Islands, which covers 15sq.km, is a cluster of eight islands -- Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Tai and Hon Ong.

With its diverse eco-system and multi 100-year-old historical sites, Cu Lao Cham was officially recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in May 2009. 

Source: VNS