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Thailand bans ships entering Maya Bay to protect coral reefs

Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said on May 17 that ships will not be allowed to enter Maya Bay from now on, except from the back.
Thailand bans ships entering Maya Bay to protect coral reefs ảnh 1The Maya Bay of Thailand (Photo: https://www.samuitimes.com/)

Hanoi (VNA) - Thailand's Ministry ofNatural Resources and Environment said on May 17 that ships will not be allowedto enter Maya Bay from now on, except from the back.

The move came as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment VarawutSilpa-archa saw that the coral reefs are not recovering as expected.

Minister Varawut the coral reefshave been destroyed because of excessive tourism. Maya Bay will remainclosed as rehabilitation continues.

According to the minister, Maya Bay will not be permanently closed. When thecoral growth is complete, then this place will be open to tourists from allover the world.

However, the minister said corals are still in a dangerous condition. Manycoral species grow at a rate of only 3 to 5 centimetres in a year.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation underthe environment ministry announced the closure of Maya Bay on June 1, 2018,banning tourism and related businesses.

Maya Bay is known for its stunning coral reefs as well as three 100-metrehigh cliffs sheltering the bay. It is the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi islandin southern Thailand./.
VNA
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