JOINING HANDS FOR GREEN TOURISM

Tourists can easily participate in many vibrant green tourism activities when visiting the beautiful coastal areas of South Central and Southern Vietnam, including snorkeling tours to see coral reefs and tours to watch sea turtles nesting in Con Dao; visiting the stone park and ancient coral reefs in Nui Chua National Park; or diving to explore coral reefs and seagrass beds in Phu Quoc Island, Cu Lao Cham, etc.

Thanks to these activities, visitors can discover the beauty beneath the blue ocean. However, if these activities are overdeveloped and grow too crowded, there is also a risk of pollution and negative impacts on ecosystems and natural habitats. From a management perspective, the MPAs and national park management boards have developed many action plans, eco-friendly tours, and partnerships with businesses and localities to ensure that tourism is developed sustainably, and environmental regulations are observed for the benefit of local communities, businesses, and the public. From there, “green” tourism in the true sense is being promoted and widely embraced.

To protect the vulnerable “homes” of marine species, service providers must develop sustainable tourism products. For visitors, contributing to ocean protection can start with small actions like reducing waste during tours, using recycled and eco-friendly products, etc. From the local perspective, more programs that engage the community are needed to encourage residents’ participation, such as beach cleanup programs, collecting debris from the sea’s surface, not littering or discharging waste into the sea, and avoiding fishing methods that harm the marine environment. Let’s explore the ocean in responsible ways that are safe for all species.