Integrating agriculture and the environment with tourism aims for sustainable development.

Lao Cai Province's tourism development strategy considers agriculture and the environment not only as a foundation but also as a unique comparative advantage. With its diverse ecosystem, mountainous landscapes, terraced fields, lakes, and reservoirs, along with a system of distinctive agricultural products, Lao Cai has many conditions to develop ecotourism, community tourism, and experiential tourism linked to agriculture and environmental protection.

Recognizing this, in 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment proactively advised and coordinated the implementation of many comprehensive state management solutions, creating a legal framework and favorable conditions for tourism activities to develop in the right direction, sustainably and effectively.

Based on its functions and responsibilities, and closely following the directives of the Government and the Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has issued numerous plans and guiding documents directly related to environmental protection, land management, and ensuring security and order in tourism activities; while also strengthening inter-agency coordination to resolve difficulties and obstacles for businesses and investors.

Ensure the assessment and processing of environmental dossiers related to key tourism projects.

In 2025, the Department received, evaluated, and processed environmental dossiers related to key tourism projects; guided investors in conducting thorough environmental impact assessments and proposing pollution mitigation solutions, especially in major tourist areas such as Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, and Nghia Lo… The work of receiving and handling feedback and suggestions from citizens and businesses in the environmental field was carried out seriously and promptly, contributing to creating a stable and transparent investment environment.

In addition, waste management at tourist areas and destinations continues to be strengthened. The rate of urban solid waste collection and treatment has reached over 95%, and in rural areas over 75%. Investing in waste treatment facilities, closing unsanitary landfills, encouraging waste sorting at source, and limiting the use of single-use plastics have significantly contributed to improving the tourism environment and enhancing the image of Lao Cai as a "green, clean, and beautiful" destination.

In particular, the work of advising on and resolving obstacles related to the combined-purpose use of land for accommodation facilities and tourism projects has been implemented decisively. Many combined land use plans have been approved, creating favorable conditions for the development of agricultural tourism and community tourism models in accordance with legal regulations and local realities.

Developing OCOP products in conjunction with tourism.

The year 2025 also marked a significant milestone in the development of OCOP products linked to tourism. The province had 623 OCOP products ranging from 3 to 5 stars; the system of points for introducing and selling OCOP products continued to expand, especially in tourist areas and destinations. Through trade fairs and events inside and outside the province, OCOP products and local specialties were not only effectively consumed but also contributed to promoting the culture, cuisine, and tourism image of Lao Cai to domestic and international tourists.

In addition, the implementation of ecotourism projects in the forests has yielded many positive results. To date, six state-owned forest owners have had their ecotourism projects approved, covering an area of ​​over 5,700 hectares. This has created an important legal basis for attracting investment and rationally exploiting forest resources while preserving nature. Several projects have become operational, initially generating revenue and supporting forest management and protection, as well as improving livelihoods for local people.

In the fisheries sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has implemented a comprehensive set of solutions to protect and develop aquatic resources in conjunction with ecotourism. The release of over 133,000 fish fry into Thac Ba Lake and the Red River not only restores the ecosystem but also raises community awareness and adds value to experiential tourism and water-based ecotourism products.

Restoring ecosystems, raising community awareness, and adding value to experiential tourism and water-based ecotourism products.

In the coming period, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province is determined to continue strengthening inspection and supervision of compliance with environmental laws at tourist areas and destinations; continue to remove difficulties related to land and environment for businesses; promote the development of OCOP products associated with tourism; improve the effectiveness of ecotourism projects; sustainably protect forest, land, water and aquatic resources... effectively promoting the role of the Agriculture and Environment sector in the tourism value chain, making practical contributions to the socio-economic development goals of the province.

Source: https://www.laocai.gov.vn/tin-trong-tinh/gan-nong-nghiep-moi-truong-voi-du-lich-huong-toi-muc-tieu-phat-trien-ben-vung-1561860