Representatives from the People of Committee of central Quang Ngai province and the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam have discussed the possibility of applying the Netherlands’ technology to protecting beaches in Hoi An city.

Prof. Marcel Stive from the Netherlands’ Delft Technology University presented results from initial research on erosion along the Cua Dai beach in Hoi An city.

Accordingly, erosion was recorded along the Cua Dai beach from 1995. Since 2000, the situation has occurred in the north of the beach. The sea encroached 10 meters in the beach’s north, while the extension in its south was only 8 meters.

Participants at the discussion. Photo: VNA

Marcel Stive attributed the situation to the decrease of sand and sediment from rivers flowing into the sea, numerous water reservoirs in the headwater of large rivers and increasing sand exploitation in river-beds.

Participants stressed the need to outline strategies and take measures to protect areas along Quang Nam’s coastline.

Nguyen The Hung, Vice Chairman of the Hoi An City’s People’s Committee said it is necessary to implement appropriate ways in order to avoid causing negative impacts on the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) – the UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve.

According to Dinh Van Thu, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee the locality is seeking long-term, sustainable solutions to the issue.

Cua Dai beach, which is 5km from Hoi An's old quarter, is a favourite location for tourists visiting the UNESCO-recognized ancient city.

Erosion has come closer to the main section of the 1.5km road connecting the beach with Hoi An, threatening dozens of resorts. Rising sea levels have already washed a 20-hectare area of the Cua Dai beach away.

Source: VNA