So that whales can still return to the sea.

In recent days, the waters off Gia Lai have unexpectedly become the center of attention due to the continuous sightings of Bryde's whales. The spectacular presence of this giant marine creature has not only sparked excitement among tourists but also breathed new life into the local tourism industry.

This could also be seen as a positive sign indicating the marine environment is recovering. However, behind this joy lies considerable concern. Experts warn that the uncontrolled influx of unregulated tourism , with the massive presence of boats, canoes, and whale-watching tours, could stress whales, cause them to leave, or even endanger them if they become stranded...

This alarming situation is not unique to Gia Lai. A scientific report indicates that in Khanh Hoa, the province with the longest coastline in the country, featuring famous bays such as Van Phong, Nha Trang, and Cam Ranh, more than 190 coral reefs have disappeared in just the past two decades. The causes stem not only from climate change, environmental pollution, overfishing, and land reclamation for construction, but also from uncontrolled tourism activities.

The damage caused by anchored boats, tourists trampling on coral reefs while snorkeling, wastewater from coastal resorts being discharged directly into the sea, and the overtourism exceeding the environment's carrying capacity have led to the gradual depletion of the ocean's "hearts," home to thousands of species. This is a very high price to pay for unplanned development, where short-term economic and tourism growth overshadows the long-term preservation of natural values. When the ecosystem is damaged, the tourism industry essentially "destroys" itself.

In light of these worrying signs, the concept of "Zero Footprint Tourism" is emerging as a necessary and urgent direction. This is a tourism model aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the environment, from limiting emissions and waste to conserving nature and supporting local communities.

The good news is that the awareness of Vietnamese tourists is changing in a positive direction. According to Booking.com's Tourism and Sustainable Development 2025 report, 62% of Vietnamese tourists consider sustainable tourism an important criterion when choosing a destination, and up to 90% want to choose environmentally friendly activities. Tourists no longer want to just "enjoy" the scenery, but want to become companions to nature, contributing to protecting, restoring, and honoring local values.

Recognizing this trend, many localities have effectively implemented green tourism models: tours to watch turtles lay eggs in Con Dao, exploring Phong Nha - Ke Bang caves, agricultural tours in Tra Vinh, forest bathing in Dong Nai, etc. These experiences attract not only high-end international tourists but also domestic tourists who are willing to pay more for responsible tourism.

To realize the goal of sustainable tourism development, in addition to community awareness, a clear policy system and sufficiently strong enforcement mechanisms are needed. We cannot continue with short-sighted, opportunistic approaches, only to see tourism decline as nature is depleted.

If implemented correctly, sustainable tourism not only helps protect the environment but also enhances the quality of the experience. It becomes a journey that deeply connects people with nature, and the present with the future. Vietnam can certainly learn from models such as "green passports," "green tours," and "sustainable destinations" to build a serious and internationally competitive ecotourism brand.

Today, Vietnam's tourism strategy is no longer about "how to attract tourists," but rather about ensuring that in 10 years, whales will still return to the sea, coral reefs will remain vibrant, and local communities will still prosper. This is not just a choice, but a responsibility.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/de-ca-voi-van-ve-bien-post803311.html