Developing community tourism associated with marine conservation in Bich Dam

After more than 1 year of implementation, the project "Promoting dialogue and cooperation between the community and the private sector with State agencies in coral reef conservation and sustainable development of Hon Mun sea area, Nha Trang Bay" has achieved the set results. In particular, creating sustainable livelihoods for people in Bich Dam residential group (in Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City) associated with marine conservation is the long-term goal.

The project is coordinated by the Khanh Hoa Province’s Women's Union and funded by the Global Environment Facility - Program for Small Projects in Vietnam. Phan Thi Hoa Binh - Vice President of the provincial Women's Union said that the project was officially launched in August 2023. After more than 1 year of implementation, the project has achieved 3 set goals, with nearly 30 activities, including activities exceeding the proposal in the project document. Through the activities, it has contributed to raising awareness of stakeholders, first of all the community and private enterprises exploiting and using the Hon Mun sea area, Nha Trang Bay, about environmental protection and coral reef conservation to maintain livelihoods for the community and sustainable development of the sea and islands. At the same time, it has achieved initial results in reducing plastic waste and coral reef degradation, finding solutions to develop sustainable livelihoods for people in Bich Dam.

A part of Bich Dam.

In the past time, the association has organized many activities such as: coordinating with departments, branches, units to organize dialogue conferences, forums, workshops, surveys... on natural resources, socio-culture, connecting and conserving resources, cooperation between parties to develop sustainable livelihoods for people in Bich Dam. In particular, the most prominent is the on-site dialogue between Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and people of Bich Dam. At the same time, the association has organized field trips to learn about the co-management model in environmental protection, coral reef conservation and community tourism in Hon Yen (Tuy An district, Phu Yen province); organizing 7 training courses for the community; propagating in many forms about plastic waste prevention and control for people and planting nearly 1,000 bougainvillea, coconut, and banyan trees... Through the activities, more than 2,500 people participated directly and online during the project implementation period. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thang - representative of the project evaluation team said that from a place that few people knew about, after the project implementation, many people have known about and come to Bich Dam. With the participation of agencies, units, businesses..., it is hoped that in the coming time, Bich Dam will become a community tourism destination on the Vietnam tourism map.

At the seminars, dialogues, and consultations, the majority of delegates agreed that the potential for developing community tourism in Bich Dam is huge. However, to turn this place into a qualified community tourism destination according to regulations, many practical activities need to be implemented. In particular, it is necessary to pay attention to investing in the power grid and lighting system, domestic water supply and drainage system, waste treatment; upgrading public works, roads, and traffic systems; renovating and embellishing relics and scenic spots; improving tourism skills for local people; strengthening the promotion of Bich Dam's tourism potential...

Bich Dam has a lot of potential to develop community tourism.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen - National Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility's Small Project Funding Program said that the locality need determine a certain development orientation for Bich Dam. In particular, it is necessary to determine what level of guests can be welcomed to suit the development orientation and level of tourism here while still preserving the rustic features; connecting the flow of knowledge, creating opportunities for the children of Bich Dam to return to their homeland to help each other develop. On the other hand, connecting and bringing groups of students to Bich Dam to participate in community learning experiences may create tourism revenue for the people here, protecting and keeping Bich Dam coastal village to develop sustainably, protecting the environment.

Chau Tuong

Translated by T.T