Da Nang keeps forests green and seas clean to develop sustainable tourism

Da Nang City is strengthening solutions to conserve biodiversity, linking the goal of protecting nature with the development of eco-tourism - green economy, aiming to build a real and sustainable "Environmental City".

Tourists visit and experience diving to see coral.

The attraction of nature reserves

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the city currently has a system of 50 unique green and ecological tourist spots (including 6 conservation areas and national parks).

Notably, Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve and Son Tra Peninsula possess many rare and precious species of plants and animals, which are prioritized for conservation and listed in the Vietnam Red Book. These are also two places that attract a large number of tourists to visit and experience.

In the first 8 months of 2025, waterway tourism on the Cua Dai - Cu Lao Cham route reached more than 255,190 visitors (an increase of 9.8% over the same period in 2024.

After a temporary suspension of traffic to fix landslides caused by heavy rain in October 2022, the sightseeing routes Tien Sa - Om stream - Ban Co peak; Ban Co peak - Bai Bac; Bai Bac intersection - Heritage banyan tree on Son Tra peninsula were reopened from September 16, 2025, attracting a large number of tourists, especially foreign visitors.

At the same time, tours combining scuba diving and coral viewing at Son Tra peninsula also attract visitors in the summer.

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 is closely linked to the conservation of natural resources, aiming at the goal of sustainable development.

Every year, the management board carries out clearing work to ensure safety on tourist routes, combined with forest fire prevention and control; releases buoys to protect coral reefs in the Hon Sup area; and at the same time, issues documents reminding units and project investors whose assigned water surfaces are connected to coral reefs to strictly protect the marine ecosystem.

The Management Board coordinates and participates in interdisciplinary inspection teams to prevent deforestation, illegal exploitation, trading, and transportation of forest products and wild animals on Son Tra peninsula...

The Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches plans to upgrade the program "Clean Up Son Tra - For a green Son Tra" to become a responsible tourism product.

Efforts to preserve nature

Since 2020, Da Nang city has issued Decision No. 3410/QD-UBND approving the Project on biodiversity conservation in Da Nang city until 2030, with a vision to 2045.

According to the project, by 2030, the city will establish and put into operation a number of upgraded and newly established conservation areas; improve the quality and quantity of endangered species populations; perfect conservation mechanisms and policies, and stabilize the livelihoods and lives of people in the buffer zone.

The focus is on protecting important natural ecosystems such as: Ba Na - Nui Chua Nature Reserve, Son Tra Nature Reserve, Nam Hai Van Landscape Protection Area...; coral ecosystems, seagrass beds, wetland areas...

Experts and researchers assess the project as a basis for protecting and sustainably developing important and unique natural ecosystems of the city; rationally using biodiversity resources in a sustainable manner; improving the effectiveness of management and community awareness of biodiversity; and gradually creating shared responsibility and community benefits in conservation work.

However, in the context of climate change, urbanization and strong tourism exploitation, conservation work is facing many new challenges.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Van Mimh, Principal of the University of Education - Danang University, not only Danang but also the Central Highlands region is facing many challenges to biodiversity, mainly from climate change, forest degradation, infrastructure development and wildlife trade...

Mr. Minh said that it is necessary to strongly apply data technology and artificial intelligence in conservation, such as SMART technology to help monitor and report forest patrol activities; digital camera traps, drones to support forest fire monitoring; GIS and remote sensing to serve forest cover mapping and monitor land changes.

In addition, AI and IoT (Internet of Things) can analyze satellite images and environmental sensors, supporting early warning of deforestation or habitat degradation. Combining modern technology with open databases not only helps monitor more effectively but also increases transparency, allowing the community to participate in protecting natural resources.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Chu Manh Trinh, lecturer at the University of Education, pointed out the role of the community in biodiversity conservation. According to him, building a clear legal framework for people to participate with the government and businesses in managing forest, water and marine resources; at the same time, incorporating circular economy and applied ecology into the general education program, linked to 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,” said Dr. Trinh.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/da-nang-giu-rung-xanh-bien-sach-de-phat-trien-du-lich-ben-vung-20251031143643943.htm