Da Nang – Destination of sustainable ecotourism

VTV.vn - Da Nang develops eco-tourism associated with forest and sea conservation; applies technology and mobilizes the community to build a green, clean, and sustainable "Environmental City".

Tourists dive to see coral at Son Tra peninsula, experiencing eco -tourism associated with marine conservation. Photo: Ngoc Ha

The attraction of nature reserves

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang, the city currently has more than 50 unique green and ecological tourist attractions, including 6 conservation areas and national parks with high ecological and tourism value. This is not only a valuable natural resource but also a "green asset" that contributes to creating a unique mark for Da Nang tourism.

The most prominent are Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve and Son Tra Peninsula - two places considered as the "green lungs" of the city. Cu Lao Cham, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its rich marine ecosystem, many coral reefs, seagrass beds, and countless rare marine species. Meanwhile, Son Tra Peninsula, home to the red-shanked douc langur, is a typical symbol of nature conservation associated with ecotourism development.

According to statistics, in just the first 8 months of 2025, the Cua Dai - Cu Lao Cham waterway tourist route welcomed more than 255,000 visitors, an increase of nearly 10% over the same period in 2024. After overcoming landslides caused by heavy rains in 2022, the Tien Sa - Om stream - Ban Co peak, Bai Bac - Heritage Banyan tree tourist routes in Son Tra officially reopened from September 2025, quickly attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Along with that, experiential activities such as diving to see coral, watching fish, SUP or trekking through the forest are professionally organized, both creating tourist highlights and helping visitors understand more about the value of nature.

Mr. Phan Minh Hai, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches, said that the unit always determines that tourism development must go hand in hand with resource conservation. Every year, the management board carries out clearing to ensure safety of tourist routes, prevent forest fires, and release buoys to protect coral reefs in the Hon Sup area. In addition, the unit also regularly coordinates with interdisciplinary teams to inspect and strictly handle acts of illegal exploitation, trading of forest products and wild animals.

Volunteers participating in “Clean up Son Tra – For a green Son Tra”, joining hands to protect the forest environment. Photo: Ngoc Ha

Biodiversity conservation project – the foundation for a green future

In order to orient long-term development, in 2020, the People's Committee of Da Nang City issued Decision No. 3410/QD-UBND approving the Project on biodiversity conservation until 2030, with a vision to 2045.

According to this project, the city will establish and put into operation new conservation areas, upgrade some existing areas, and improve the quality and quantity of endangered species populations, protecting typical natural ecosystems. Along with that is stabilizing the livelihoods of people in the buffer zone, helping them participate in management, instead of being the factor putting pressure on resources.

The focus of the project is on protecting ecosystems such as:

Ba Na – Nui Chua Nature Reserve;

Son Tra Nature Reserve;

Nam Hai Van Landscape Protection Area;

Along with coral ecosystems, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands.

Researchers assess that this is an important basis for protecting, restoring and rationally using biodiversity resources, contributing to the balance between economic development, tourism and environmental protection. The project also aims to raise public awareness, encourage people, businesses and tourists to participate in conservation, thereby creating a green value chain in local tourism development.

However, conservation work in Da Nang still faces many challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, increased tourism pressure, forest encroachment or illegal exploitation of resources. These factors require the city to have smart, flexible and long-term management solutions.

Application of modern technology in conservation

According to Associate Professor Dr. Vo Van Minh, Principal of the University of Education - Danang University, to overcome new challenges, Danang needs to promote the application of science, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in nature management and conservation.

The application of AI and IoT in satellite image analysis and environmental sensors not only allows for early warning of forest degradation and deforestation, but also enhances transparency and community monitoring capabilities. These technologies, if deployed synchronously, will help manage natural resources effectively, save costs and increase interaction between management agencies and people.

Promoting the role of the community in conservation and tourism development

Sharing the same view, Dr. Chu Manh Trinh, lecturer at the University of Education - Danang University, emphasized the importance of local communities in biodiversity conservation. According to him, it is necessary to build a clear legal framework for people, authorities and businesses to participate in the management of forest, water and marine resources; at the same time, bring educational content on ecology and circular economy into schools, linked with local practice.

"Tourism is not only an economic sector but also an effective communication tool to spread conservation values. When people benefit from nature, they will be the pioneers in preserving those resources," Dr. Chu Manh Trinh affirmed.

In fact, many community tourism models in Da Nang, such as in Tho Quang village, Hoa Bac, Cu Lao Cham, are proving effective when people directly participate in ecotourism activities, both increasing their income and contributing to protecting the natural environment.

Towards a model eco-tourism city

With a development strategy closely linked to the environment, Da Nang is gradually becoming a model eco-tourism destination of the country. The city not only attracts tourists by its majestic sea and forest landscape, but also by the green living and green tourism spirit of its people and government.

Keeping forests green and seas clean is not only a management goal, but also a commitment to sustainable development of Da Nang, a dynamic and modern city that still respects and preserves nature.

On that journey, every citizen and every tourist can become a "green ambassador", joining hands to contribute to building the image of Da Nang as a livable city, worth visiting and worth returning to in the hearts of international friends.

Source: https://vtv.vn/da-nang-diem-den-cua-du-lich-sinh-thai-ben-vung-100251101185402094.htm