VietNamNet Bridge - Scientists have expressed concern over plans to build a cable car system in Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien-Hue province. 

Deputy director of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial Planning Department Hoang Viet Trung on August 15 confirmed that the province has submitted to the Ministry of Construction a proposal to develop a Bach Ma spiritual eco-tourism and resort complex with a cable car. 

The cable car is expected to start in Cau Hai area and end at the villa in Morin Hotel. There would be three stops, including one at Do Quyen waterfall.

Emphasizing the importance of the cable car system development, Trung said that the cable car would not interfere with the natural forests, while the tourism complex would have international stature, respect nature and help boost the development of Bach Ma.

However, Pham Ngoc Dang, director of the Urban Environment & Industry Center, believes that a cable car system would affect the surrounding landscapes.

“It is necessary to be sure that project developers strictly follow the procedures stipulated by law. They must carry out research on possible impacts on the environment, collect opinions from locals and forest protection organizations,” he said.

The cable car is expected to start in Cau Hai area and end at the villa in Morin Hotel. There would be three stops, including one at Do Quyen waterfall.

“The cable car will certainly have influences on the environment. However, if we can do the research well, we can anticipate possible negative impact and think of solutions to mitigate the impact,” he said.

Dang Huy Huynh from VACNE said he doesn’t agree with the development of a cable car system within the Bach Ma National Park.

The Thua Thien-Hue authorities have reassured the public that the cable car system would not interfere with the natural forests, but Huynh warned that many problems would arise if such a cable car is built.

“We have to learn lessons from many environmental scandals, from the accident in the central coast caused by Formosa to the problems on Son Tra Peninsula of Da Nang,” he said.

“In principle, the system of national parks and sanctuaries listed in the national strategy on biodiversity conservation approved by the Prime Minister must be protected,” he said.

He said that Vietnam is nominating Bach Ma National Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park and to obtain recognition, Vietnam will have to preserve Bach Ma National Park.

Vietnam has six parks recognized as ASEAN heritage parks. MONRE hopes that at least 10 parks will be on the list by 2020.

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