Illegal quarries are a threat to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Looking into the matter
The buffer zone along Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
After receiving complaints from Phuc Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, located in the central province of Quang Binh, we went to the park to further investigate the situation.
Despite signs which make it clear that it is illegal to quarry, a large number of stone trucks filled with rocks could be seen entering and leaving the area every half hour or so.
Upon entering the area of Ha Lot Village, we could see massive explosions, creating plumes of white dust.
After passing the buffer zone, there was a large amount of activity around the limestone mountains, which were obviously being damaged by the minors.
There are at least 20 different areas where this activity is going on. Mr Luong, the "owner" of one of them, said that his spot is ideal because it is so convenient for transportation, and provides low-cost, high-quality limestone.
The operator of another one of these areas simply told us that, "If we have any trouble from the authorities, we just move our equipment back home for a while and wait until things cool down."
A complicated situation
Truong Van Xa, Head of Ha Lot Village, said the village has 88 households, and has a limited amount of agricultural land. Locals mostly grow peanuts, corn and a small amount of rice. In recent years, they have suffered from frequent flooding. This is one of the reasons, they say, that more have turned into quarrying.
Phuc Dong and Thanh Sen villages have the same problem.
Nguyen Van Hien, the party committee secretary of Phuc Trach Commune, said despite the efforts of local authorities, these illegal activities have been going on for years. "It\'s a difficult problem to deal with," he said. "Many residents feel that if authorities truly want them to stop quarrying, that the State should provide them with jobs."
"We can see their blatant violation of the law. But they are so poor that we sometimes have to be lenient," he added.
Nguyen Van Huyen, Deputy Head of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Baord, said that protecting the buffer zone is the responsibility of local authorities, and not that of the board.
Despite the ban illegal quarries have been around for years
