On May 7^th, 2026, in the Co To Special Zone, Quang Ninh Province, representatives of the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) participated in the conference on the implementation of the decisions issued by the Provincial People’s Committee regarding the establishment and assignment of the management authority for the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area (MPA), as well as the signing of coordination regulations for the management of the marine protected area. The event was jointly organized by the Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board and the People’s Committee of the Co To Special Zone.

The Co To – Dao Tran MPA is a provincial-level species and habitat conservation area established under Decision No. 4508/QĐ-UBND dated November 27^th, 2025, issued by the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province. Covering an area of more than 18,000 hectares, the Co To – Dao Tran MPA is currently one of the largest marine protected areas in Vietnam. This is an important component of Vietnam’s marine spatial planning toward 2030, which aims to conserve 6% of the country’s natural marine area in order to preserve biodiversity and create a foundation for sustainable marine economic development.

Photo: Mr Mai Vu Tuan – Head of the Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board delivered speech at the Conference

At the conference, Mr. Mai Vu Tuan – the Head of the Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board stated:  “The official establishment of the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area marks an important step toward biodiversity conservation, with strategic significance for sustainable marine economic development. Organizationally, the management structure has been consolidated from the Bai Tu Long Conservation Center. Initially, the Co To Marine Conservation Management Team, consisting of seven staff members, has been assigned as the core unit, operating independently in technical matters and reporting directly to the leadership of the Heritage Management Board. In the coming period, key priorities will focus on developing operational regulations for submission to the Provincial People’s Committee, stabilizing office facilities, installing boundary marker buoys, and equipping patrol and research equipment for the team. In particular, management efforts will be closely linked with the development of tourism models to support livelihood transition for local fishers, while prioritizing the recruitment of local residents from Co To to ensure long-term engagement and sustainability.”

The official establishment of the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area marks an important milestone following years of collaboration among central and local authorities, as well as marine conservation organizations. In this process, the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) provided technical support to the Sub-Department of Fisheries of Quang Ninh Province, local authorities in the Co To – Dao Tran area, and relevant agencies and organizations in conducting research and assessments, stakeholder consultations, and the preparation and finalization of the MPA establishment dossier. These efforts were combined with communication and outreach activities to promote community participation and support for the establishment of the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area.

Photo: Representative of the MCD congratulated at the Conference launching Co To – Dao Tran MPA, May 7th, 2026

Mr Nguyen Danh Ha, The Chairman of the People’s Committee of Co To Specialized Zone, stated that: “The establishment of the MPA is not only about conserving nature, but also about creating new momentum for economic development. As ecosystems are restored and marine resources are protected, Co To will have greater opportunities to develop responsible ecotourism and improve local livelihoods”.

Mr Nguyen Danh Ha, The Chairman of the People’s Committee of Co To Specialized Zone, delivered the speech at the Conference

The conference also reached consensus on strengthening coordination in developing management mechanisms, defining the boundaries of the marine protected area, conducting scientific research, monitoring biodiversity, and mobilizing the participation of communities as well as domestic and international organizations in conserving and promoting the values of marine and island resources.

The implementation of the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area not only contributes to safeguarding the “green gem” of Quang Ninh Province but also reaffirms the close connection between sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of national defense and security in Vietnam’s maritime border areas. MCD is honored to make a contribution to this journey toward building a successful conservation-based development model that brings long-term benefits to both present and future generations.