After news broke that a $220 million cable car would be built through portions of Son Doong Cave, the response was overwhelming negative. Many were stunned that a plan, meant to lure troves of tourists, would likely lead the to degradation of this natural wonder.
One concerned citizen, Bao Nguyen, has taken to the internet to make a petition: “Stop the Construction: Save the Son Doong Cave!”, targeting UNESCO and the local government:
“Help protect the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave - in the UNESCO world heritage site, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam.
The Government of Vietnam needs to act immediately to stop a proposed cable car construction project which could lead to cave collapses and will threaten the pristine cave with further development.
This project must be stopped before it has a huge and damaging impact on the Son Doong Cave and the ecosystem of the entire Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.”
The petition has over 10,000 signatures (out of a stated goal of 11,000) at the time of publishing, the majority of which seem to be from Vietnam.
And who knows? Maybe it will have some impact. A similar petition calling for the preservation of elements of the Saigon Tax Center has resulted in action on the part of authorities.
[Image via John Spies]
