The World Heritage Committee,
1.Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,
2.Recalling Decision 30 COM 7B.17, adopted at its 30th session (Vilnius, 2006),
3.Commends the State Party and Ha Long Bay Management Authority for their continued efforts in addressing key issues in and around the property;
4.Notes that the State Party has submitted a request for international assistance from the World Heritage Fund for capacity building of staff of Ha Long Bay Management Authority to strengthen their management capacity;
5.Calls upon the international donor community to provide further financial and technical support for the conservation and management of the property;
6.Urges the State Party and Ha Long Bay Management Authority to continue their efforts to ensure better planning and management of the property and its surrounding as to address growing urban, industrial and tourism development pressures on the property, and to closely monitor ongoing projects that could potentially affect the outstanding universal value and integrity of the property;
7.Requests the State Party to withdraw permission granted to operate jet-skis within the core-zone of the property, and to reconsider and cancel the plans to develop a tourism resort on Lam Bo Island and major infrastructure in the Cua Van floating village;
8.Also requests the State Party to prepare, in consultation with IUCN and the World Heritage Centre, a report by 1 February 2009 on the state of conservation of the property, focusing in particular on the extent and effectiveness of implementation of the existing policies and plans as well as the capacity building project, and any direct or indirect impacts of the construction of the new coastal highway, for examination by the Committee at its 33rd session in 2009.