The famous “Kissing Rocks” in Vietnam’s picturesque Ha Long Bay are facing an unprecedented threat: collapse due to geological instability. Experts are raising the alarm and urging swift action to protect this natural wonder.
The possible collapse of the ‘Kissing Rocks’ is not only dangerous for the environment but also culturally significant. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of tourists every year to see its unique limestone karsts, the most famous being the “Kissing Rocks.”
Its end would not only degrade the natural beauty of the bay, but would also affect the local economy, which is highly dependent on tourists. Also, these rocks are associated with love and devotion in Vietnamese folklore.
The romantic legend of a young couple turned to stone, permanently locked in a kiss, has been celebrated by locals and visitors alike. The disappearance of the Kissing Rocks would devastate the cultural heritage of the region.
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- ‘Kissing Rocks’ crisis: Can Vietnam preserve its natural treasure?
- ‘Kissing Rocks’ is now seen at low tide
‘Kissing Rocks’ crisis: Can Vietnam preserve its natural treasure?
In 2019, 4,000,000 tourists visited Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, dotted with hundreds of small islets. Visitors see the twin rocks rising out of the bay and seem to “kiss” each other.
However, the researchers warned in a July article that rising sea levels and the proximity of fishing boats are causing the rocks to crumble. According to Ho Tien Chung of the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, illegal fishing and unregulated tourists are accelerating rock erosion.
Workers saw a tourist boat stopped 19 meters from the islet while conducting research for the report.
Credit: BBC
‘Kissing Rocks’ is now seen at low tide
Deep fractures have been discovered running through the rocks, indicating that they could collapse if steps are not taken to preserve them. “Tourists can see the precarious rocks at low tide,” Ho Tien Chung explained.
“The water level is then low, exposing the footing of the rocks, which is gradually eroding, posing a risk of collapse if steps are not taken soon to protect and reinforce them.”
The islets in the bay have long been battered by coastal erosion, and several other major tourist destinations have been severely destroyed in recent years by the pounding of the sea.
To mitigate the effects, the investigation suggested that officials implement additional laws in the area, such as limiting boat speeds to 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 mph). According to the document, local fishermen should be warned to avoid fishing near the rocks to reduce agitation, and cement could be injected into the fractures of the islet to strengthen its foundations.
Credit: Instagram
The world is watching with bated breath as specialists and environmentalists work tirelessly to conserve these famous rocks. Their fate is unknown, but the drive to save them and their symbolic embrace is steadfast.
It is hoped that the ‘Kissing Rocks’ of Ha Long Bay can amaze future generations and remain a symbol of enduring love and natural beauty through international collaboration and swift action.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn