Smart marine conservation

QTO - Often described as a "green gem" in the ocean, the Con Co Island Marine Reserve has been shouldering a dual mission: protecting the precious marine ecosystem while opening up new opportunities for the development of a green marine economy and sustainable livelihoods. In the context of climate change, increasing ocean plastic pollution, and declining fish stocks, building a "smart" and modern marine conservation model is essential. Regarding this issue, a reporter from Quang Tri Newspaper and Radio and Television interviewed Mr. Tran Khuong Canh, Deputy Director of the Con Co Island Marine Reserve Management Board.

Untangling the "knot" of livelihoods

• Interviewer: Sir, many people think that marine conservation means banning all exploitation activities, which would affect the livelihoods of fishermen. What is your view on this issue?

- Mr. Tran Khuong Canh: In my opinion, marine conservation in the current period is no longer about "closing the sea to protect," but rather a process of managing marine resources scientifically , intelligently, and humanely. If conservation efforts cause people to lose their livelihoods, and the sea and people are on opposing sides, then it is not sustainable conservation.

At the Con Co Island Marine Reserve, we believe that conservation must create new value for the community. Healthy coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems are not only valuable natural assets but also the foundation for developing marine ecotourism, scientific research, environmental education, and green economic sectors in the future.

Currently, the Con Co Island Marine Protected Area Management Board is gradually reorganizing the marine space in a scientific manner, clearly defining functional zones to both strictly protect the core ecological areas and create a reasonable space for sustainable development activities.

More importantly, the unit is striving to maximize the co-management role of the community. Fishermen are no longer outsiders to conservation efforts but will become "guardians of the sea," directly participating in protecting marine resources, coral reefs, and the marine environment.

The underwater scenery within the Con Co Island Marine Reserve - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

• Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the feasible directions for livelihood transformation for fishing occupations that pose a significant risk to marine ecosystems?

- Mr. Tran Khuong Canh: This is a difficult "problem" but one that must be solved if we want to protect marine resources in the long term. We cannot simply ask fishermen to stop exploiting resources; we must open up new avenues for them.

Quang Tri province has been implementing many sound policies to transform the fishing industry towards environmentally friendly practices. Fishing vessels that pose a significant risk to the ecosystem will be gradually supported in transitioning to less impactful models or participating in fields such as aquaculture, marine products, fisheries logistics, tourism transportation, and eco-tourism services.

At Con Co Island, we expect fishermen to become a driving force in the development of marine tourism. A fisherman knowledgeable about fish schools, currents, and the marine ecosystem can become a marine experience guide, a community diver, or a force involved in rescue and protection of marine resources. This represents a shift from "resource exploitation" to "preserving and sustainably exploiting the value of the sea."

Mr. Tran Khuong Canh participated in the survey of the current status of phytoplankton in the Con Co Island Marine Reserve - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Combating marine pollution

• PV: A concerning reality today is that plastic waste from the ocean has been "attacking" the coastline in the Con Co Island area. What difficulties does this situation pose in the collection and processing of this waste, sir?

- Mr. Tran Khuong Canh: Con Co Island is isolated in the middle of the ocean and directly affected by large ocean currents, so plastic waste from many sea areas frequently drifts ashore. Meanwhile, the weather conditions on the island are very harsh, especially during the rainy and stormy season. There are times when large waves and strong winds last for extended periods, making waste collection and processing extremely difficult. This is not only a problem for Con Co Island but also a common challenge for many frontier islands and marine protected areas today.

We recognize that protecting the marine environment cannot be solely the responsibility of the Management Board, but requires the joint efforts of the entire community, businesses, tourists, and especially close cooperation with the Con Co Special Economic Zone government in environmental awareness campaigns, management, and building a green lifestyle on the island.

• Interviewer: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help Con Co Island become a green island with sustainable development?

- Mr. Tran Khuong Canh: We are aiming to build Con Co Island into a model of a "Green Island - Free of Plastic Waste" in Central Vietnam. To achieve this, we need to simultaneously invest in infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and processing suitable for the small island's scale; gradually reduce single-use plastics; and raise community awareness.

In particular, the Management Board is focusing on promoting the application of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), GIS, and remote sensing technology in monitoring marine ecosystems, tracking environmental data, and warning of risks impacting coral reefs. A modern marine protected area cannot rely solely on manual patrols but must be based on data, science, and community participation.

We will also work closely with the Con Co Special Economic Zone authorities to build a green, civilized, and sustainable tourism environment linked to nature conservation.

The national flag pole on Con Co Island - Photo: HH

Motivation and belief

• Interviewer: Looking further ahead, what will the Con Co Island Marine Reserve Management Board do to contribute to building Con Co into a modern, sustainable marine conservation model?

- Mr. Tran Khuong Canh: Based on Decision No. 732/QD-UBND dated March 3, 2026, of the Provincial People's Committee approving the Management Plan for Con Co Island Marine Protected Area for the period 2026-2030, we will focus on implementing many major orientations to build Con Co into a modern and sustainable marine conservation model. The central tasks include strengthening the strict protection of key ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and seaweed beds; restoring aquatic resources; and strongly developing sustainable livelihood models and marine ecotourism…

In addition, we will promote the application of science and technology, AI, and digital transformation in marine resource management; and continue to closely coordinate with the Con Co Special Economic Zone government, functional forces, local communities, and domestic and international organizations to mobilize resources for marine conservation, ecotourism development, and building Con Co into a symbol of green development and sustainable marine economy.

In our view, Decision No. 732/QD-UBND is not only a management guideline for the coming period but also an important foundation for Quang Tri to gradually realize its goal of developing a green marine economy. The study to expand the Con Co Island Marine Protected Area to approximately 10,000 hectares will contribute to strengthening the ecological corridor, better protecting spawning grounds, nursery grounds, and valuable marine ecosystems. I believe that, if we persevere with this direction, Con Co will not only be a "green gem" of Quang Tri but can also become a typical model for Vietnam in marine conservation combined with green economic development.

• Interviewer: Thank you, sir!

Quang Hiep (compiled)

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/dat-va-nguoi-quang-tri/202605/bao-ton-bien-thong-minh-28d6731/