Scientists from domestic universities and Japan’s Tohuku University madepractical proposals to prevent erosion along Cua Dai beach in centralQuang Nam province’s Hoi An city at a workshop on May 12.

The ongoing serious destruction occurring along the 7-kilometrecoastline is posing direct threats to nearby tourism facilities andresidential areas and intruding into cultivated land. In recent years,the sea has encroached on the mainland from 30 to 50 metres annually.

Professor Dr. Hitoshi Tanaka from TohukuUniversity said that erosion along Cua Dai beach is a consequence of thelack of sand in the Thu Bon River caused by illegal dredging activitiesand the construction of reservoirs for hydro-power plants.

Participants proposed using sand from other areas of similar quality to replace the deficiency.

They also stressed the need for a research study to measure the degree of erosion in the region.

The proposals made at the workshop will be submitted to the Hoi An city authorities for consideration.

On the occasion, the city also installed a seawater measuring post andcameras donated by the Japanese Government to monitor the risingseawater level.

Cua Dai beach, located 5kilometres from Hoi An's old quarter, is a favourite location fortourists visiting the UNESCO-recognised ancient city.

Erosion has inched closer to the main section of the 1.5 kilometreroad connecting the beach with Hoi An, threatening dozens of resorts.Rising sea levels have already washed away a 20-hectare area of Cua Daibeach.-VNA