General assessment and development orientation for 50 coastal islands in Northern Vietnam (with an area of 1 km 2 or more)

Vietnam has about 2,773 islands located in the coastal areas of different seas, including around 100 islands with an area of 1 km 2 or more (these islands are large enough for socio-economic development). Northern coastal area has 50 islands with an area of 1 km 2 or more, distributed in two provinces Quang Ninh (47 islands), Hai Phong (3 islands). According to a combined assessment of the potential and position of 50 Northern coastal islands for the purpose of economic development, defense and security, 9 islands have been recognized as having the capability of defense and economic development; 6 islands have the advantages of economic development and national defense; 16 islands have the primary function of economic development and 19 islands should focus on their advantages of tourism and agroforestry, which will also be considered as a reserved resource for future island economic development.