Preserving Son Doong supersedes
making profit: foreign ambassadors to Vietnam
L from R:
Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Australia, Sweden, the UK, U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State, and Ambassador of Italy sing together under the magical
light in the first sinkhole in Son Doong Cave during their expedition to the
grotto from May 11 to 17, 2016. Tuoi Tre
A group of ambassadors to
Vietnam that recently completed an exploration of Son Doong, the world’s
biggest cave, located in Vietnam’s north-central region, are opening up about
the trip they have been calling an incredible experience.
The
expedition included ambassadors from the Czech Republic, Argentina, Sweden,
the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia.
U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski, Secretary-General of the Vietnam
National Commission for UNESCO Pham Sanh Chau, Miss Universe Vietnam 2008
runner-up Duong Truong Thien Ly, and entrepreneur Dinh Minh also joined the
group on the unforgettable trip.
The
trip was held from May 11 to 17 and financed by each member’s personal funds.
The delegation poses in front
of En Cave, the first stay of the expedition to Son Doong Cave. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Memorable experience
It
is the most beautiful place in the world, Swedish Ambassador Camilla
Mellander told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after returning
from Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, where the cave is located.
The
Swedish ambassador also said she felt lucky to have had the opportunity to
see such a beautiful and unique sight, comparing the place with other natural
wonders such as the icebergs in Greenland, the mountains in Nepal, and the
grasslands in Mongolia.
She
added that the size of the cave, the stone pillars formed by stalagmites and
stalactites, the springs, and the vegetation were all incredible to witness
and will help the experience stick with her for life.
Italian
Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni also shared with Vietnam Television that the
expedition was her dream-come-true.
U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski also remembered the trip as one
of the “most memorable experiences” of his life.
“It
lies in a hidden valley, which we could only access by passing through
another cave,” the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi quoted Malinowski on its verified
Facebook page. "Around every corner, we encountered images that seemed
to be taken from abstract art or the illustrations to a fantasy story, not
like anything we ever expected to encounter in the real world.”
U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State Tom Malinowski swings down an 80m hole. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Preservation is more important than profit
As
their 5-day-4-night excursion was part of a campaign to promote tourism for
Son Doong Cave and Vietnam in general, the ambassadors also noted the
importance of preserving the site.
Ambassador
Mellander told Tuoi Tre that she was very happy knowing that
the Vietnamese government has taken steps to preserve the cave by limiting
the number of tourists allowed to enter at any one time.
It
shows that the Vietnamese government understands the uniqueness of the cave
and its animal and plant population, home to seven new species that have
recently been discovered and are in need of protection, she said.
According
to her, Son Doong is a rare heritage site so protecting it is more important
than making a profit.
She
also mentioned the similarities between Vietnam and Sweden as both countries
understand that they must protect the environment for future generations.
“The
cave is a pearl and I am sure that all Vietnamese people are proud of it,”
she said.
L to R: Giles Lever, Cecilia
Piccioni and Camilla Mellander, Ambassadors of the UK, Italy, and Sweden,
visit a class in Doong Village on the way to Son Doong. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Meanwhile,
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Malinowski warned that “Son Doong is not
only beautiful – it is also very fragile.”
“It
took nature millions of years to sculpt it, one drop of water and one grain
of sand at a time. It would take human beings an instant to destroy it, if we
chose to exploit it in the wrong way," Malinowski wrote in his statement
posted on the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi’s Facebook page. “I am therefore very
grateful to the people of Vietnam and to the authorities of Quang Binh
Province for preserving Son Doong Cave in its natural state.”
“The
sustainable tourism currently allowed in Son Doong, managed by professionals
who have deep respect for the environment and for the community nearby, has
protected the cave and provided jobs for many local people,” he added.
“It
is no surprise that tourists to Quang Binh Province started increasing
exactly when Son Doong was discovered. People around the world are impressed
by Vietnam’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and come to the area
to see everything that they can.
“I
hope that my children and grandchildren will be able to see this great
treasure of Vietnam just as I did."
TUOI TRE
NEWS
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Thứ Sáu, 3 tháng 6, 2016
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