Son Doong cable car idea needs careful consideration: official

Hanoi (VNA) – The consideration of projects relating to areas with exceptional values like Son Doong Cave, as well as the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, must especially take into account impacts on the local environment, culture and society to ensure sustainable development.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Dang Thi Bich Lien made the remark on January 19 regarding the information published by many news websites that central Quang Binh province plans to build a cable car system to Son Doong Cave.

She clarified the ministry’s viewpoint that the protection of natural and cultural heritages is always associated with the promotion of their values to serve people and bring about economic benefits.

The protection and bringing into play of heritage values must also seriously adhere to the Law on Cultural Heritage and UNESCO’s Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to which Vietnam is a party.

Any investment and development regarding Son Doong Cave, which is part of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, must be consulted with the ministry and relevant agencies and have the Prime Minister’s approval, she noted.

Lien said the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a special national heritage and was named a world natural heritage site. Meanwhile, Son Doong Cave is the biggest in the cave system of the park and has significant values. It is also a pride of Vietnam.

Therefore, any activity that may affect the park and Son Doong Cave must be carried out very prudently and comply with Vietnam’s heritage protection regulations and the UNESCO convention, she added.-VNA