Drop in the ocean: Ha Long Bay has been recognised as having the highest number of islets in the country.—File Photo

HCM CITY — Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province has been recognised as setting a national record for the bay with highest number of islets.

The 1,553sq.km UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 1,169 islets of various sizes, 95 per cent of which are limestone outcroppings.

This is one of nine national records related to islands and seas that have been recognised by the Viet Nam Book of Records (Vietbooks) to celebrate the Viet Nam Sea and Islands Week to be held in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province tomorrow and Wednesday.

The records were nominated by the Viet Nam Administration of Sea and Islands under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Vietbooks also worked with www.tinmoitruong.vn – a website featuring news and activities related on environment – to present new seven records on the environment to mark the World Environment Day tomorrow.

The Nha Trang Oceanography Institute in Khanh Hoa Province, which maintains specimens of 20,000 sea and freshwater creatures belonging to 5,000 species are among five organisations that have been recognised for their contribution to conservation.

Two geographical sites that have been recognised Ba Be Lake at the foot of the Lam Son Mountain for the beauty of its landscape, geographical features and biodiversity, and Thac Ba Lake as the largest man made lake in the country.

Representatives of Vietbooks and www.tinmoitruong.vn have said they will continue their search for national records to increase public awareness of the need to protect, conserve and improve the natural environment. — VNS