Save the sea for tomorrow

Tourists participate in scuba diving, combining with preserving and protecting coral reefs in the sea area at the foot of Son Tra peninsula. Photo: TRUNG DAO

Sustainable and responsible tourism , including sea tourism, has been the message that many tourism businesses and tourists have been aiming for in recent times.

Keeping the forest underwater

“Son Tra Peninsula is a rare ecosystem, stretching from the seabed to the mountain top. Under the water is a vibrant world with fish, shrimp, corals… - silent but extremely valuable residents. Not every place in the world is lucky enough to have that. In particular, corals are a primeval forest under the sea, playing an essential role in maintaining life and balancing the ecosystem,” he said.

Having spent a long time in the ocean, Mr. Trung understands the fragility of coral - a species of creature that is sensitive to climate change, water pollution, plastic waste and especially the impact of fishing gear such as nets, rakes, anchor lines... These objects can destroy an entire coral reef, leaving irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, for many years, he and other ocean lovers have chosen for themselves an "unpaid side job" - diving to pick up trash. From the spirit of "wanting to go far, go together", the "DaNang Free Diving" community was born, gathering more than 4,000 members who are local people and tourists at home and abroad after 2 years of operation. They not only learn diving skills, enjoy the magical beauty of Son Tra coral reef, but also contribute to regular seabed clean-ups. Each diving trip is an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire action to protect the blue ocean.

The efforts of "DaNang Free Diving" to "preserve the underwater forest" have brought about clear results. Coral reefs in Bai Nam, Hon Sup, Bai Obama... have recovered strongly, and waste has decreased significantly. However, according to Mr. Trung, a systematic and long-term marine conservation strategy is still needed.

Last summer, we followed the Trash Hero Da Nang group to clean up Son Thuy beach (Ngu Hanh Son district). Established in September 2022, this community has grown stronger and stronger with members being domestic and foreign tourists, foreigners living in Da Nang and many local people. The founder of the group is Mr. Benjamin Lawson, an American tourist who "fell in love" with Da Nang. As of mid-May 2025, Trash Hero Da Nang has had 109 sessions of cleaning up the beach and public places. While cleaning up and watching the sea, people regardless of nationality, skin color or profession always want to contribute a small part to keeping the landscape green-clean-beautiful for this coastal city, in the spirit of "every small action has great meaning".

Sustainable tourism

Emphasizing that its members pay special attention to building a sustainable tourism brand, Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, Vice President of the Da Nang Tourism Association and President of the Da Nang Hotel Association, said: “We actively participate in the program of planting 3,500 coconut trees to green the beach, joining hands to preserve the beach landscape - one of the important activities organized by Da Nang city. Along with that, we coordinated with the Ariyana International Convention Palace in Da Nang to organize the 2024 Barefoot Sea Run, attracting nearly 1,000 people and tourists to participate, both creating a healthy sports playground and raising public awareness about protecting the marine environment.”

Going back to the northwest axis of the city are beautiful beaches along Da Nang Bay such as Nam O and Xuan Thieu. There, as well as other beaches, businesses and tourism units not only exploit the sea space to serve tourists but also emphasize the factor of responsibility. According to the representative of Mikazuki Spa & Hotel Resort Complex, the area regularly organizes cleaning and garbage collection at the beach, and coordinates with Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited - Central branch to collect garbage in the right place. In addition, with related units, they participate in cleaning, classifying and moving garbage drifting after storms and floods, and general cleaning and garbage collection along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street on World Environment Day to ensure the landscape of the coastal area.

The story of tourism combined with marine environmental protection is prioritized by tourism workers in the city in the process of operating tourism activities. Hotels and resorts themselves take the initiative to clean the beach, ensuring a safe and friendly tourism environment, because the blue and clean sea makes their destination space more attractive in the eyes of tourists. For tourists, keeping the sea clean is also keeping a permanent space on the map of destinations.

According to Mr. Dao Dang Cong Trung, in the coming time, when Quang Nam province is merged, Da Nang city will have more than 145km of coastline, which is a great advantage for developing sustainable tourism models such as: diving to see coral, selective fishing, exploring nature associated with conservation. "We not only keep the sea for today, but also preserve the ocean for future generations", Mr. Trung emphasized.

• Look at the Cu Lao Cham model in Hoi An - where seasonal fishing is banned to regenerate resources. Da Nang should encourage fishermen to give up trawling, electric shock and small nets. At the same time, it is necessary to limit single-use plastic waste and invest in effective waste treatment systems. Developing marine tourism must go hand in hand with conservation."
• Mr. Dao Dang Cong Trung , co-founder of the group "DaNang Free Diving"

XUAN SON

Source: https://baodanang.vn/channel/5433/202505/giu-bien-cho-mai-sau-4006944/