(VOVworld)- Quang Ngai province announced on Thursday that it will establish the Ly Son marine protected area (MPA), covering approximately 8,000 ha.

The sea around Ly Son Island possesses diverse ecosystems and an abundance of aquatic species. (Photo: NDO/Ha Phuong)

The MPA is divided into a strictly protected area to preserve tidal ecosystems, seagrass, and coral reefs, an ecological restoration zone, and a development zone.

The MPA also defines a protective belt of 2,500 hectares surrounding the conservation area.

Activities aimed at environmental protection, preventing illegal exploitation of biological resources, ecosystem restoration, archaeological exploration, and community-based tourism development will be rolled out as part of the area’s marine conservation programs.

The project’s total funding is 1.5 million USD.