The Provincial Women’s Union, in coordination with the People’s Committee of O Loan commune, has launched the project “Promoting coral reef conservation management associated with community-based tourism and enhancement of coastal village cultural values”.

The project is funded by the United Nations Development Programme and aims to conserve marine ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Addressing the event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thai, Vice President of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial Women’s Union, emphasised that the project adopts an integrated development model centred on the community, particularly women. It seeks to conserve Hon Yen coral reef under the principle of “community-led, community-benefiting”, aligned with sustainable tourism development, thereby contributing to promotion of a green economy.

Tourists exploring Hon Yen national scenic site in O Loan commune by basket boats.

Representing the donor, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen affirmed that UNDP will support capacity building for management and conservation of Hon Yen coral reef, while promoting livelihood models associated with community-based tourism and preservation of coastal village culture.

The programme also announced the establishment of the management board and introduced its objectives, contents, along with implementation roadmap. Discussions focused on improving coordination mechanisms for management, controlling resource exploitation, as well as developing distinctive tourism products associated to Hon Yen. Several proposals were raised, including zoning to protect sensitive coral reef areas; training in tourism skills and environmental protection; developing visitor codes of conduct; together with strengthening communication and community education.

In directive remarks, comrade Tran Huu The, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Standing Vice President of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, highly appreciated the project’s practical significance and long-term value. He called on relevant stakeholders to implement the project in a coordinated manner with participation from local residents. He also stressed that coral reefs are valuable yet vulnerable assets, requiring strict prevention of harmful activities; enhanced communication to raise public awareness; as well as close coordination mechanisms among authorities, mass organisations, and community. The project must go beyond conservation to create stable livelihoods for residents, especially coastal women, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-eco development.

On this occasion, the Provincial Women’s Union, the People’s Committee of O Loan commune, and Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative signed a cooperation agreement to implement the project, demonstrating a shared commitment to conserving marine resources in tandem with community-based tourism development in the locality.

Translated by KHUONG THAO