Hon Yen islet (O Loan commune) - a place where unique natural scenery converges with rich coastal village culture - has long been known as a “gem” of Dak Lak tourism.

This national scenic spot currently has about 12.7 hectares of coral reefs with 17 species living on volcanic basalt rock. However, these ecosystems have been seriously degraded due to the combined impact of climate change and human activity, posing a major bottlenecks to the sustainable development goals.

In addition, tourism products are monotonous and lack professionalism; regional connectivity as well as promotion efforts are limited. Simultaneously, people’s livelihoods have yet to be closely aligned with resource conservation.

The Provincial Women’s Union, the People’s Committee of O Loan commune, and the Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative signing an agreement to coordinate the implementation of the Project to Promote Coral Reef Conservation Management Associated with Community Tourism and the Development of the Cultural Value of the Coastal Village at the Hon Yen National Scenic Area.

Based on that experience, the Provincial Women’s Union, in coordination with the People’s Committee of O Loan commune, launched the Project to Promote Coral Reef Conservation Management in conjunction with Community Tourism and the Development of Coastal Village Cultural Values at Hon Yen National Scenic Area, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has opened up a new approach: conservation as the foundation, the community as the center, alongside sustainable livelihoods as the goal.

Paving the way through conservation and community livelihoods

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Head of the National Steering Committee of the Small Projects Fund, UNDP, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, coral reef conservation needs to be linked with the fisheries development resources and the maintenance of traditional fishing. Expanding the “green zone” not only restores the ecosystem but also delivers dual benefits: increasing natural resources, stabilizing livelihoods, along with contributing to the protection of the sea and islands through sustainable solutions.

From an international perspective, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, National Coordinator of the Small Projects Fund, UNDP, emphasized the crucial role of the community. For effective conservation, people must be empowered and directly benefit. Therefore, it is necessary to develop community tourism in a professional as well as controlled manner; build a sustainable financial mechanism from tourism to reinvest in conservation; and expand green livelihood models such as tourism services, seafood processing, alongside handicrafts.

Hon Yen Islet viewed from above resembles a vivid natural painting.

One of potential directions involves strengthening the role of women in tourism development and environmental protection. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thai, President of the Provincial Women’s Union, what is needed is a strong shift from awareness to action through specific models, including “Women’s groups and community groups protecting coral reefs”, “Coastal roads free of plastic waste”, as well as simultaneously enhance the capacity of people in tourism and livelihood management.

At local level, comrade Nguyen Hung Dung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of O Loan commune, stated that they will focus on perfecting management regulations, consolidating community groups, developing the Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative, and building distinctive products associated with ecosystem conservation, which is an essential step to transform potential into tangible value.

Along with that, the involvement of the people plays a decisive role. The local community not only participates in coral protection but also directly guides tourists to behave in an environmentally friendly manner, serving as an important link in the sustainable tourism chain.

With coral ecosystems safeguarded, the environment is preserved, and the people benefit, Hon Yen islet will not only be an attractive destination but also a model for sustainable coastal tourism development.

Translated by TRINH THUY