Vietnam has announced the approved plan to set up and operate a system of marine reservation districts on its sea and island areas till 2020. The total investment capital of the plan is estimated at VND 460 billion allocates to two phases. The first phase, from 2011 to 2015, costs approximately VND 300 billion and the second phase, from 2016 to 2020, accounts for VND 160 billion.

From 2010 to 2015, the first phase targets for sixteen established marine reservation districts across the country. By 2015, the system must include at least 0.24% of national sea areas, and 30% area of each district will be under strict protection. The second phase primarily focuses on study and research activities to expand the original plan. It aims to include new reservation districts and extend the entire system.

Under the plan, many of sixteen marine reservation districts are destination of tourists. Those name Dao Tran and Co To (Quang Ninh province); Bach Long Vi, Cat Ba (Hai Phong); Hon Me (Thanh Hoa); Hai Van – Son Tra (Hue – Da Nang); Cu Lao Cham (Quang Ninh); Ly Son (Quang Ngai); Nam Yet – Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa); Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan); Phu Quy, Hon Cau (Binh Thuan); Con Dao (Vung Tau) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).

To ensure for success of the plan, the authorities have encouraged investment from private sectors and organizations to the set-up and management of the marine reservation system. The plan also calls for participation of local communities to protect local aquaculture resources. It emphasizes the important of training for management team to achieve the targets of the master plan. The launch of marine reservation system is a hope to initiate a new management framework with the cooperation of many individuals and organizations. This model will provide the ultimate in applying efficient management to the second phase when the system recruits more reservation districts.