Community tourism is a form of sustainable eco-tourism...
Community tourism is a form of sustainable eco-tourism which includes and benefits local residents. Mangrove forests can contribute to community tourism growth.
Mangrove forest regeneration
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| Regenerated mangrove forests in Ninh Ich can contribute to community tourism development. |
Mangrove forests used to thrive in Ninh Ich Commune, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province. However, the mangrove forests have been destroyed mostly by shrimp farming. The failure of shrimp crops has led to vast wasteland. As a result, many kinds of inshore sea creatures have soon disappeared due to lack of shelters and food.
Vo Dinh Long, an agricultural expert in Ninh Ich Commune says before 1975, mangrove covered 200ha in the commune stretching along the National Road 1A from Ro Tuong to Gia Mount. The mangrove loss occurred in 1985 because not many people know that mangroves play an important role in the preservation and protection of coastal ecology.
In 1990, shrimp farming declined due to crop loss. Local residents began to be aware of the impact of mangrove on the environment. Since then, efforts have been made to save mangroves.
In the period 2006-2008, some delegations of Japanese non-governmental organizations visited the mangrove forests and expressed their wish to fund mangrove-planting projects.
About 20 ha of forest has been restored in Ninh Ich. The benefits of mangrove are becoming more widely known.
Ho Minh Hiep, a mangrove grower, says, "We have planted mangrove for a long time. We had 1.5ha of mangrove forest in Ngoc Diem Village in 1990. We planted additional 2ha in Hon Co and 2ha in Ngoc Diem in 2009. Local authorities' management of the remaining mangrove forests is required."
Community tourism projects are needed to boost the mangrove forest development. At present, many mangrove forests are available for community tourism.
Mangrove forest tourism village: new trend
Mangrove forest tourism is attractive for eco-tourists. The resources that the mangrove ecosystem offers could be great assistance to the development of livelihoods for local communities.
In Khanh Hoa, the regeneration of mangrove forests for community tourism is completely feasible. Travel businesses can conduct a survey, choose locations and homes involved.
Such eco-tours can include sightseeing mangrove forests, viewing sunrise on the beach, enjoying seafood at restaurants located in mangrove forests, etc. Besides, community tourism can give visitors a taste of sweet homestay.
However, community tourism has not developed in Khanh Hoa Province. The mangrove forest community tourism is believed to bring huge benefit to local residents as well as contribute greatly to the conservation of the valuable natural resource.
Nhu Thao
