Integrated GIS and Remote Sensing for Selecting Protected Zones of the HaLong Bay World Heritage Site for Promoting Sustainable Tourism

摘要

The paper describes how Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis contributes to ecological sensitivity assessment of the Ha Long Bay area (Quang Ninh- Viet Nam). This is area where environment is suffering from an increase in the number of tourists and pressure from development project. Delineating a protection boundary to serve as a buffer zone to sustain the natural condition of the area. This will help to support environmental management in this highly sensitive area, and facilitate an effective planning and development of sustainable tourism. The integration of GIS modelling and remote sensed data has enable for selection the site of protection. Analysis based on the chosen indicator for ecological sensitivity under the impact identification of the tourism and other activities can effect to the bay. Establish sensitivities maps that are combined and integrated data using spatial analysis function in GIS. Results reveal 2 zones of protection to be eco-marine protected area and the estuary high sensitivity area. Prediction of the future sea park plan impact is calculated based on the map of sensitivity. The results are useful for the local authorities for environmental monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism in the heritage area.