WHS+-+Halong+Bay+(Vietnam)

__what is a world herritag__ a world hertage site is a cultural or natural that hold information on momuments,cities and geographical habibtat that is thought and threatand by change and that is deserving of protection and persevation by the united nations.[UNESCO] believes that many cultural and natural sites provide immeasurable benefits to mankind and should be protected and maintained at all costs.These precious features, either man made or naturally occurring, face the threats of aging and modernizing

many of the developing countries are unable to maintain or protect there world heritage site due to public or governmental impetus to make preservation a priority or there may not be adequate financial resources available.

=__ Cultural criteria __= 1 represents a masterpiece of human creative genius 2 shows an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technologymonumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design 3 has a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared 4 is an outstanding example of a type of building architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history 5 is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement land use or sea use which is representative of a culture or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become under the impact of irreversible change 6 is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance =__ Natural criteria __= 7 contains superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance 8 is an outstanding example representing major stages of Earth s history including the record of life significant on going geological processes in the development of landforms or significant geomorphic or physiographic features 9 is an outstanding example representing significant on going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial fresh water coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals 10 contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

=__what is the purpose of a world heritage site__= The purpose of a world heritage site is to protect and preserve the site and that have meaning and symbolises cultural and natural significance around the world is it also important to have World Heritage Sites so that we do not forget the great achievements that have been made in the past. a world heritage site could mean alot to a group of people and that by us preserving it it is more important so we can learn from the information in the future
 * [[image:http://mirror-au-nsw1.gallery.hd.org/_tn/std/places-and-sights/_more2003/_more08/Egypt-Cairo-Giza-sphinx-world-heritage-site-SEW.jpg width="256" height="171" caption="Thumbnail"]] ||
 * Thumbnail ||



the laitidue and longitude of the country ha long bar are N20 53 60 E107 5 60
=__the history of ha long bay__= ha long bay is known for the name of the Bay of Descending Dragons before the 19th centuary this name was never recorded as this being the name in any document.When mentioning the present day Quang Ninh Sea or Ha Long Bay, old historical books often referred to them by the names of An Bang Luc Thuy or Van Don. Not until the late 19th century did the name of Halong Bay appear on a French Marine Map.The Hai Phong News a French newspaper of the time had an article,Dragon appears on Ha Long Bay reporting the following story.

In 1898 a sub ieutenant named Lagredin, captaining the Avalanse reported seeing a huge sea snake on Ha Long Bay. This was also witnessed by many of the crews. Thus emerged the European image of the Asian dragon. Whether this appearance of a strange animal looking like a dragon resulted the name of Ha Long Bay is not known Reference Quang Ninh Art and Culture published in 2002

For hundreds of years Halong Bay has been an important part of the culture and history of Vietnam. Though it only contains a coastline of 120 kilometers the area has been a big part of life in northern Vietnam. Halong Bay, also known as Vinh Ha Long, There are approximately 1,969 small islands in the bay, all comprised of different size and form. These islands have caring and amazed locals for hundreds of years. There are over 200 species of fish and over 450 species of mollusks in the waters around the bay. These waters now help sustain a community of fisherman, many of them living on floating junks in the water. These communities are close and extremely important to the success of the area. This area has also sustained naval wars for hundreds of years. At least three times in history this bay has helped stop the Chinese navy from invading northern Vietnam. This bay was also mined by the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. Many of the mines are still unexploded in the bay, which poses a threat to local fishermen. The area first became popular for tourists in the 19th Century, when French visitors explored the area. It now serves as the most popular tourist attraction and resort community in Vietnam. ha long bay ha long bay