Fishermen 'transform their lives' by developing ecotourism under the protective forest canopy.

After 30 years of working at sea, fisherman Truong Van Dung decided to come ashore and take on a contract to conserve 5 hectares of protective forest. Under the forest canopy, he raises aquatic products for ecotourism, earning hundreds of millions of dong each year.

Combining tourism development with forest conservation efforts.

The ecotourism destination under the protective forest canopy owned by Mr. Truong Van Dung (50 years old, residing in An Thanh 3 commune, Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province) makes a strong impression on tourists with its pristine beauty and nature-connected experiences. Monkey bridges xuyên through the forest allow visitors to weave through the shady mangrove canopies, where long-tailed monkeys naturally come to greet guests, creating a rare and vibrant scene.

Mr. Dung catches snails raised under the canopy of the protected forest to prepare dishes for tourists.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Here, visitors can also observe snails clinging densely to tree trunks and mud crabs crawling across the swamps. In addition, the forest area is home to egrets, bats, forest birds, and even natural bee colonies, contributing to a rich ecosystem.

Few people know that the owner of this eco-tourism resort, Mr. Truong Van Dung, previously followed his family's profession of coastal fishing. Gradually, natural resources were depleted, and fishing no longer provided a stable income. After more than 30 years at sea, he decided to move ashore and find a new livelihood.

Tourists trek through the forest across monkey bridges to see monkeys in Mr. Dung's eco-tourism area.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

In 2014, after being contracted by the Soc Trang provincial agricultural sector to exploit and conserve 5 hectares of protective forest, Mr. Dung began raising aquatic animals under the forest canopy. From there, the idea of ​​developing ecotourism and community tourism began to take shape.

"Being entrusted with the forest also means being entrusted with responsibility. I understand that exploitation must be linked to protection, so that forests and fisheries can develop together in the long term," Mr. Dung shared.

Monkey bridges crisscross the forest, allowing visitors to weave their way through shady trees.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

To maximize the tourism value of the forest, Mr. Dung invested in experiential services such as: walking on bamboo bridges to see monkeys, sliding on mudflats, rowing boats through mangrove forests along the coast, participating in harvesting aquatic products in ponds, and connecting with community tourism destinations in the region to serve the recreational and accommodation needs of tourists.

During peak season, the family's tourist destination welcomes thousands of visitors each month, generating significant revenue from both sightseeing services and the sale of local seafood.

A troop of long-tailed monkeys naturally gathered to greet visitors.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Gradually encroaching forests into the sea.

Mr. Dung's ecotourism destination quickly attracted visitors thanks to its pristine beauty and authentic Mekong Delta river experiences.

Tourists experience a boat tour.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

What sets Mr. Dung's model apart is its sustainability. All farming and harvesting activities adhere to the principle of "harmonizing with nature," avoiding harm to the ecosystem, using no chemicals, and not damaging the forest. Thanks to this approach, the area of ​​forest under his management is growing thicker, gradually extending into the sea, contributing to reducing wave action, preventing saltwater intrusion, and effectively combating erosion.

Tourists wade through the mud at the alluvial plain to experience sliding down the bamboo raft.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Besides profiting from tourism services, Mr. Dung's family also earns a stable income from local seafood such as selling snails, clams, crabs, etc. Their total income amounts to hundreds of millions of VND per year.

"Preserving the forest means preserving the long-term livelihoods of the community," Mr. Dung affirmed. Through a model that harmoniously combines conservation and exploitation for ecotourism, he has demonstrated that protective forests are not only a natural shield but also a valuable resource if managed properly.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngu-dan-doi-doi-nholam-du-lich-sinh-thai-duoi-tan-rung-phong-ho-18525060110175813.htm