The Facts
According to a study published by Vietnam's Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (IGMR), Trong Mai Islet — otherwise known as the "kissing rocks" in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay — is on the verge of collapse due to rising seawater levels, tidal forces, tourism, and other factors.
Ho Tien Chung, head of tectonics and geomorphology at the Institute, has warned that visible cracks in the kissing rocks alongside the islet's vulnerability during low tide may prompt a collapse without protective actions.
The Spin
Narrative A
Vietnam's heritage sites face severe erosion from human visitors, affecting communities and national treasures. "Quality over quantity" in Vietnam's tourism sector is essential to environmental protection. The Southeast Asian nation must step up to better manage tourism or else other environmental and cultural treasures will also suffer.
Narrative B
Vietnam's environmental issues go beyond mere tourism — a major root cause is global warming causing rising sea levels and threatening local populations. Countries such as Vietnam are in danger of disappearing unless global initiatives are implemented. Preserving environmental monuments requires facing up to the climate challenge first.