The provincial Tourism Department said on September 21 that authorities had approved the Hai Ly Seaside Church Climate Change Heritage Site in Hai Tien Commune as a new tourist destination.
Local authorities will oversee the management and development of the site, with provincial agencies providing support to ensure sustainable tourism.
Hai Ly seaside church is the remains of the Sacred Heart Church, a historic structure associated with the former fishing village of Xuong Dien in what was previously Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province.
After standing for about 60 years, the church was severely damaged by Typhoon No. 7 in 2005. Coastal erosion has since left mainly its bell tower standing close to the shoreline.
The ruins attract thousands of visitors each year, particularly during summer, and have become a distinctive coastal landmark.
The site also provides evidence of changes to the coastline linked to climate change, sea-level rise and extreme weather, and is considered valuable for research and conservation of geological and geomorphological features.
The Tourism Department said official recognition would help integrate the site into the province's tourism network while supporting its long-term preservation.
Ninh Binh has also recently recognised Xuan Thuy National Park in Giao Minh Commune as a tourist site, paving the way for further development of ecotourism based on its wetlands, biodiversity and natural landscapes.
