Tourist returns 14 kg of pebbles taken from Vietnam's Co To Island a decade ago

Nguyen Hai Linh, head of the Co To Department of Culture and Information, confirmed on Nov. 17 it received a package from a sender named Vu Nguyen.

The parcel contained pebbles of various sizes, a letter, and VND100,000 to cover shipping costs.

In the letter, the tourist explained that the stones had been collected during trips to Mong Rong Beach between 2015 and 2018 because of their beauty and uniqueness.

"After learning about marine conservation and realizing the damage caused, I decided to return them," the letter read.

"I have damaged the pristine beauty of the island. I apologize and hope that these rocks will be returned to their original location."

Linh noted that this is the first instance in many years of natural artifacts being voluntarily returned by tourists.

"This action is very valuable, showing that awareness of responsible tourism is improving," he said, adding that the stones will soon be placed back on the beach.

The department reminded visitors not to take rocks, corals, or marine life as souvenirs, warning that such actions could destroy geological formations and coastal ecosystems.

Mong Rong Rock Beach, located in the south of Co To Island, is known for its layered sedimentary rocks, which have formed over thousands of years and display unique colors and shapes.

Under the Cultural Heritage Law and local conservation regulations, removing or displacing natural geological formations is strictly prohibited.

At many famous tourist destinations around the world, tourists taking stones or sand as souvenirs has caused serious consequences.

In 2019, a French couple in Italy was arrested for attempting to remove 40 kilograms of white sand from a beach in Sardinia, facing up to six years in prison.

Linh emphasized that rock beaches and coral reefs act as natural "breakwaters," slowing water flow, limiting erosion, and providing habitats for marine life.

Removing rocks or corals in large quantities can accelerate erosion and damage ecosystems.