Net Zero Ecotourism

More than just a green eco-tourism destination, Blue Diamond Retreat also contributes to shaping the future of Vietnamese tourism with its Net Zero goal.

The Blue Diamond Retreat eco -tourism area in Xuan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province covers approximately 5 hectares. Not only does it attract tourists with its pristine natural landscape, but Blue Diamond Retreat is also the first tourist area in Vietnam aiming for Net Zero (zero net emissions), balancing its total greenhouse gas emissions.

Protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development.

Nestled amidst the vast forests of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Blue Diamond Retreat is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also a pioneering model in combining environmental protection with sustainable development.

In the context of an increasing number of tourists seeking nature-based travel experiences, Oxalis Co., Ltd. has built and developed Blue Diamond Retreat into a unique green tourism destination, while making a strong commitment to zero net emissions.

The tourist boats at Blue Diamond Retreat are powered by electric motors and wind. Photo: OXALIS

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Ngan, Head of Marketing at Oxalis, stated that with the goal of becoming the first resort in Vietnam to achieve Net Zero certification, the company has focused on investing in environmentally friendly infrastructure at Blue Diamond Retreat. Beyond simply building a resort, Oxalis aims to create a sustainable tourism model, allowing guests to relax while contributing to environmental protection.

One of the highlights at Blue Diamond Retreat is the solar power system installed throughout the entire campsite and other facilities. This system provides clean energy for guests' activities, from accommodation to operating transportation such as electric vehicles and the E-Rice Ship. By using renewable energy, the resort not only minimizes negative environmental impact but also saves on operating costs.

Water management at Blue Diamond Retreat is also impressive, with effective water-saving measures. A rainwater harvesting and filtration system provides water for resort activities, reducing water usage and transportation costs, thereby conserving resources and reducing emissions. The resort also prioritizes ecosystem protection by minimizing tree felling and concrete construction.

The walkway is designed at an elevated level, minimizing impact on the vegetation and ecosystem at Blue Diamond Retreat. Photo: OXALIS

The infrastructure here is built using natural, environmentally friendly materials. The pathways within the area are designed as suspension bridges, minimizing the impact on the ecosystem. Blue Diamond Retreat also actively plants trees, participates in reforestation projects, and donates to environmental protection organizations.

According to Ms. Le Thi Hai Yen, Training Director of Oxalis, Blue Diamond Retreat has implemented many measures to achieve the Net Zero goal. In addition to using solar power, the resort also focuses on minimizing waste through methods such as composting, recycling, and reuse.

Guests visiting Blue Diamond Retreat are guided on environmental protection principles, from waste sorting and water conservation to forest protection activities. They are also encouraged to participate in tree planting.

Optimizing energy efficiency

In addition to Blue Diamond Retreat, Oxalis is expanding its sustainable solutions, aiming for a Net Zero goal across all of the tourism facilities it operates.

Specifically, Chay Lap Farmstay resort (Phuc Trach commune, Bo Trach district) and Tu Lan Lodge system (Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province) have begun implementing solar power systems. This helps reduce operating costs, decrease CO2 emissions, and create a healthier living environment for tourists and the local community.

Photo: OXALIS

Mr. Nguyen Chau A, General Director of Oxalis, affirmed that besides Blue Diamond Retreat, environmental protection and CO2 emission reduction are always top priorities at the tourist resorts operated by the company. The company not only implements renewable energy initiatives but also focuses on building, designing, and operating tourism infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency and minimize negative impacts on the environment.

"Oxalis aims for its tourism facilities to achieve net zero emissions by 2026 for emission ranges 1 and 2. By 2030, the company aims for Net Zero across its entire supply chain, by minimizing emissions and offsetting the remaining carbon through environmental protection projects," Mr. Á emphasized.

With a commitment to achieving Net Zero, Oxalis has developed a detailed action plan, from employee training and conducting and analyzing inventory reports to setting CO2 emission reduction targets. The greenhouse gas inventory process was supported by experts from Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, ensuring accuracy and adherence to international standards. This helps the company assess its environmental impact and implement effective improvement measures.

Long-term vision

Mr. Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Binh province, acknowledged that in the context of increasingly serious climate change, Oxalis is a pioneering enterprise in proactively applying solutions to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to environmental protection, demonstrating a long-term vision in building Blue Diamond and other tourism facilities.

Mr. Ha commented: "Tourist resorts like Blue Diamond Retreat will become ideal models for green and sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Hopefully, these models will be replicated in Quang Binh in particular and the whole country in general, while promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/du-lich-sinh-thai-net-zero-196250320212410576.htm