Tidal flat in Quan Lan island, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. Photo TTH Fresh sa worms sold at the tidal flats cost more than 300,000 VND/kg, reaching the consumer’s table can be up to millions of dollars and preliminarily processed and dried depending on different prices, the most expensive can be up to nearly ten million VND. /kg. So enough to see, Sa worm is more expensive than many rare and precious specialties from the sea. Sa worm is less distributed, easy to exploit and reproduce, it is more difficult to maintain the natural breed, meanwhile, it is not possible to artificially breed this high-value seafood. In the Northeast Sea, which is geographically located in the Gulf of Tonkin with many bays, conifers and coastal saltwater ponds, it is the ideal habitat of the Sa worm. In addition, the tidal flats must have primary flora and mangrove trees for the slugs to reside. This layer of mangroves keeps the plankton in the water and is the food for the worms and many other bivalve molluscs such as clams, clams, oysters, blood cockles… Sa worm is mentioned as a specialty of Quan Lan and Minh Chau islands, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province because in the tidal flats along Quan Lan island, there is the best kind of worm. Another reason is that the oldest fishery of worms originated from the inhabitants of the island. There are families whose profession of digging and catching fish is passed down from generation to generation, supporting many generations. Increasingly, this item is more and more expensive due to scarcity and there was a time when sage was hunted and sold. Officers of Quan Lan Border Guard Station (Quang Ninh Border Guard) stationed in the area always integrate propaganda content to protect aquatic resources whenever there is a meeting or propaganda sessions. But only the fisherman understands better, if not protected, not “saved” for the next season, the risk of worms will also disappear like blood cockles, boredom, silk clams… Most of the fishers are women. They understand the characteristics of this intertidal marine species. With a specialized sand shovel, they arrived at the tidal flat early in the morning. At night, the worms in the nest come up to eat plankton, they use a shovel to quickly roll up the sand layer to catch it. The sun is up, the temperature is high, the sand is hot, the animal will hide deep down, not being caught anymore. It is important that the fishing profession is completely manual. If mechanized or used tools to plow the sand, the slugs will no longer be able to reproduce and will disappear until they disappear. It has happened in other sea areas such as Tien Yen, Ha Long, and Quang Yen of Quang Ninh province, when the tidal flats dried up, mangroves were cut down, over-exploited, encroached on the sea, and sucked sand. make the sage disappear. The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province has regulated the period of banning the exploitation of worms in June and July every year (the breeding time of the worms). Mining is only allowed by the traditional manual method of using apricots and spades and only for worms that have reached a size over 10cm long. Along with people’s lives, Quan Lan Border Guard Station, when receiving people’s feedback, authenticates information and coordinates with many levels and branches to protect the intertidal area. Due to the large profits, many traders instigate people to use high-pressure pumps, pump out water, and plow the tidal flats to catch worms. The whole coastal shoal area was overturned, the environment was polluted, and large and small seafood was destroyed. There are times, early in the morning, when people go to the beach to “hunt” sa worms, Border Guard officers also come out to support people in protecting the intertidal area, propagandize and mobilize so that people do not exploit in the form of fishing. extermination, peace of mind to pursue their livelihoods, and at the same time, severely punish households who do not comply with the general regulations, exterminate fishing, and destroy the environment. Van Don has more than 2,000 hectares of tidal flats and nearly 1,000 fishermen make a living by hunting worms and natural intertidal mollusks. The original people in the island very well understand that seafood is their source of life, but when people from other places come, traders only buy for profit, there are always fishing activities that go against the interests of the community. this population. Especially, sand mining activities have been boycotted, protested and petitioned by fishermen, causing the locality to suspend this activity and rearrange order and stability in coastal residential areas. Accordingly, all acts of encroaching on the tidal flats, destroying the habitat of marine resources, local authorities encourage people to detect, denounce and clarify. Recently, Quan Minh Co., Ltd., an enterprise that dredging creeks and exploiting silica sand, has been accused by people of affecting the environment and attacking tidal flats, dumping waste, polluting the environment. affect the growth of the worm. In many places, people see both young worms and the fear of the extinction of worms is real. Van Don district immediately suspended the project’s construction to protect marine resources and at the same time maintain security and order in the area.

Bai Chay Beach – the tourist destination of Quang Ninh. Quang Ninh currently has about 500 cruise ships operating on Ha Long Bay, of which nearly 200 ships stay overnight. All ships meet the high standards and requirements of the province in terms of quality and design, 30% of which are steel hull ships. Sightseeing and relaxation on Ha Long Bay is one of the traditional forms of tourism, always attracting a large number of tourists to the Mines. Foreseeing that trend, many businesses continue to invest in the cruise ship system to promptly serve the needs of tourists. After more than 1 year of building, Ho Thien 99 QN-9998 (Tung Van Tourism Co., Ltd.) has just completed the final procedures to be licensed to operate on Ha Long Bay. Mr. Ngo Thanh Tung, ship owner said: For many years doing business in tourism on Ha Long Bay, I realize that this is a land of great potential. The government here is very conducive to mechanisms and policies for businesses, especially in the field of tourism and services. Therefore, I continue to invest in this ship, with a higher quality than the normal sightseeing boat, to put it into operation. Along with the facilities for sightseeing and resorting on Ha Long Bay, taking advantage of the available location, in recent years, tourism facilities in general, island tourism in particular in Quang Ninh. more and more completed, has a great attraction to domestic and foreign tourists. In the coastal areas of Ha Long, Van Don, Co To, many 4-5 star hotels, shophouse system, condotel apartments, luxury resorts, restaurants … construction synchronous. Thanks to that, not only timely serving the high demand of tourists, especially during the peak occasions of holidays, Tet, but also creating a unique, new, luxurious, classy appearance for Quang Ninh tourism. Besides the tourist center of Ha Long City, Heritage, World Natural Wonders Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh owns many beautiful islands, attracting tourists. Two high-quality island and sea eco-tourism centers in the future being invested and built are Van Don and Co To. Along with the beautiful poetic and fairy scene, there are many beautiful beaches such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Van Chay, Hong Van, Thanh Lan, Co To con … Many new tourism products and forms have gradually been formed on island routes, with priority given to the development of high-class and unique tourism products and marine services suitable for resort tourism. As one of the island communes that always have a large number of tourists every weekend, holiday, Quan Lan commune (Van Don district) now seems to be wearing a new shirt. The inter-village roads were embellished and expanded, hotels and restaurants were built synchronously, meeting the increasing demands of tourists. Mr. Hoang Huy Sam, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee of Quan Lan Commune, said: The commune requires businesses and households providing restaurant and hotel services in the area, in addition to developing services, to ensure the following factors. on environment, preventing epidemics for sustainable development. The commune focuses on embellishing the face, village roads and alleys, encouraging businesses and household businesses to invest in many tourism products to keep tourists longer on the island. With the available favors about nature, waters, and waters, Quang Ninh is promoting this advantage very well. In the future, Quang Ninh continues to have orientations, planning, exploiting, aiming to become a domestic and regional classy island tourism center.

Tourists move on Quan Lan island commune. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper) 10/4 evening, at Quan Lan island commune , The People’s Committee of Van Don district (Quang Ninh) announced the Decision of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province to recognize Quan Lan-Minh Chau Tourist Area , Van Don district is the tourist area of ​​the province. According to the plan, two communes on Minh Chau and Quan Lan islands of Van Don district were built to become High-class eco-tourism area , service Tourist Resort high-end. It is expected that the total planned tourist area of ​​these two island communes is over 4,360ha; of which Minh Chau commune is about 724ha, Quan Lan commune is about 3,636ha; Out of this land area, there are 2,750ha of land in Canh Cuoc, Mang island, Sao Ba island, Giai island, Soi Sat island, about 1,610ha of wetland and water surface. Planning orientation of the center of Quan Lan commune is developed into an old quarter with night activities. New houses will be arranged in existing residential areas in the center of two island communes. The area of ​​the main road across the island will give priority to service works associated with commercial and mixed services of high quality. The hilly and mountainous area will take advantage of the views and landscapes to develop high-end resorts. In the coastal area, resort beaches will be developed in association with the protection of Tram forest ecosystem, special-use forest, and mangrove ecosystem. Minh Chau and Quan Lan island communes are located on Quan Lan island, located in the middle of Bai Tu Long bay, associated with the history of Van Don commercial port. The beaches on Quan Lan Island are long, white sand, smooth, and clear blue water differentiate Quan Lan from the northern beaches. As an ancient trading port of Van Don, the island has Quan Lan Lighthouse built by the French in the early 19th century with clusters of relics of communal houses, pagodas and temples. In particular, this sea area has specialties such as rock crabs, sea urchin crabs, sea cucumbers, sea cucumbers, and rare seafood only developed in this sea area. At the announcement ceremony, a number of activities were held: a welcome show, motorbike parade of the Quang Ninh Federation of Motorcycles and Sports Bikes on the road to the two communes of Quan Lan island – Minh Chau. The announcement ceremony is an opportunity to promote the image of the land, people, tourism products of Van Don island district to tourists, domestic and foreign investors, creating a variety of activities to serve guests. playing when visiting tourism in the district; at the same time, raising people’s awareness of the mission of developing tourism products, contributing to building Van Don as a friendly, safe and attractive destination. This is also an activity in response to a chain of events to stimulate tourism in Quang Ninh province and Van Don district in 2021./.

Long Dinh water reservoir has been completed but the water plant system is still in progress, making the islanders still “thirsty” for clean water.

Students in particular and people in general of Quan Lan pearl island, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province “thirst” for clean water.

Thousands of students lack clean water

Up to now, the domestic water source of the people of 2 communes Quan Lan, Minh Chau on Quan Lan island only depends on rain water and well water. In the face of saline intrusion, water resources in many villages of Quan Lan such as Tan Phong, Tan Lap, Yen Hai … are seriously polluted and polluted.

The situation of islanders who are “thirsty” for “hot” water is when the local smokeless industry has developed over the past decade. The tourist peak season is also the time when clean water is scarce. Many restaurants and hotels do not dare to welcome guests due to lack of water.

Mrs. Bui Thi Thi, Tan Phong village, Quan Lan commune shared, her family also has a well but cannot use it. She often has to buy clean water to use. Each block of water costs from 85 to 90 thousand VND depending on the time. Therefore, the monthly money for using clean water is several hundred to million dong. For many years, the clean water factory has not been put into use, people wish to use clean water.

Pham Thi Xuyen from Tan Phong village said that her family currently has 4 people. The house has dug wells for use but the water quality is poor. Family is only used to wash clothes, wash hands and feet. She has to buy water for cooking. Each month of saving use also takes about 5 blocks of water.

Out of 8 villages of Quan Lan commune, only 2 villages ensure clean water. Households use rainwater tanks or dig wells. But most of it is salty or polluted. Many households have wells that cannot be used for eating and drinking … Particularly, Tan Phong village has about 200 households, over 600 people, of which only about 60% of households have storage tanks. Most of them lack fresh water for daily use in the dry season.

It is worth mentioning, more than 1,000 students from 3 levels of education in Quan Lan Island often lack clean water to use. Especially, with preschool when children spend all day on school, water shortage is a problem that the school and locality have been concerned about for many years.

Since 2014, Van Don district has built and renovated Long Dinh water reservoir (Tan Lap village, Quan Lan commune), with a total investment of 109 billion VND, design capacity is about 1 million m3. By 2017, this reservoir has been completed and the main pipeline system across the sea and distribution pipelines to the central points have been completed.

However, the project of a water supply plant and a water distribution system serving the people and tourists on Minh Chau island, Quan Lan on the side of Tham Gia Trade Construction and Investment Joint Stock Company (Company Tham Gia) is not yet completed. Therefore, after 4 years of completing the reservoir, this project has not been able to supply clean water to the people of the island commune.

Mr. Luu Minh Duc – Chairman of Quan Lan Commune People’s Committee, said the lack of clean water for daily life makes all activities of the people limited. At present, Long Dinh reservoir invested by the district has been completed and handed over to Yen Lap Irrigation One Member Limited Company for management.

With the water supply plant project and the clean water distribution system, there are still problems related to the approval of the factory on the location of the land under the management and exploitation of Viglacera Van Hai Company (under Viglacera Corporation, Ministry of Industry and Trade). Build).

Slow because of “overlapping” with Viglacera Van Hai Company

According to the research, the project of a water supply plant and a water distribution system serving the people and tourists on Minh Chau and Quan Lan islands was decided by the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province to invest in 2017 with the scale of capacity. 4,000m3 / day and night.

The project has a total area of ​​over 28 thousand m2, total investment of 30 billion VND includes: Water supply plant located in Nam Hai village, Minh Chau commune; the water supply pipeline is located in Minh Chau and Quan Lan communes. Up to now, the cluster of key projects, siphons and irrigation water supply systems have been completed. Particularly, the domestic water supply system is in progress.

According to the People’s Committee of Van Don district, the domestic water supply project invested by Tham Gia Company has completed the installation of a water pipeline from the water supply plant to Minh Chau and Quan Lan communes. The company has signed a contract to buy and import all synchronous equipment of the factory together with the equipment installation. However, Tham Gia Company has not been able to build water supply plant items because the plant is located within the boundary of the mineral exploitation license of Viglacera Van Hai Company.

Facing the above situation, on October 1, 2020, the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province reviewed the report of the General Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on the closed area of ​​the mine. Return a part of the Van Hai sand mining area of ​​Viglacera Van Hai Company, including the construction of the water plant mentioned above.

On March 18, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued Decision No. 464 / QD-BTNMT approving the mine closure project. Return a part of the white sand mining area at Van Hai sand mine of Viglacera Van Hai Company.

Parallel to the proposal to close a part of the area for the implementation of the water supply plant, the Management Board of Van Don Economic Zone has worked with the investor, Tham Gia Company, to focus on resources for construction. so that June 2021 can put the factory into operation.

Mr. Tham Hong Son, director of Tham Gia Company, said that the water treatment plant project has just been “untied”. The company will execute the rest of the work. By the system, synchronous equipment has been made waiting only when the company is present to install it. Regarding the project progress, Mr. Son affirmed that by June, the factory will be put into operation to serve the people on the island.