The Co To-Tran Island Marine Protected Area (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)

Covering more than 18,400 hectares, the area includes a core zone of over 13,200 hectares, comprising strictly protected sub-zones as well as ecological restoration and service-administrative sub-zones.

The project is part of Vietnam’s national strategy on biodiversity conservation and green marine economy development, laying an important foundation for ecotourism, scientific research, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

According to provincial authorities, the protected area will help preserve and restore distinctive ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, tidal flats, and rocky shores, along with populations of rare marine species including sea turtles, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and finless porpoises.

It will also support scientific research, education, and non-extractive uses of marine and island ecosystems for ecotourism, adventure tourism, and resort tourism.