Tourists visit and experience at Xuan Thuy National Park (Giao Thuy). |
Xuan Thuy National Park is famous as one of the most important "international bird stations" in Asia, gradually becoming a "bright spot" in the development of ecotourism, sightseeing, and community experiences. With a large mangrove ecosystem, pristine natural landscape, biodiversity and rich resources, Xuan Thuy National Park has been effectively exploiting the potential for developing community ecotourism - a sustainable development model, focusing on the local community. Xuan Thuy National Park is known to many people for its rich migratory bird system with many rare species such as: Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Black-headed Duck, Large Yellow-billed Sandpiper, Short-billed Gull... Aquatic resources in the National Park area are very rich, closely linked to the economic life of a part of the local community. Many aquatic species with high economic value such as: cockles, honey clams, mud crabs, groupers, bald scads... have been successfully researched and raised, on the one hand creating livelihoods and stable income for the local community, on the other hand contributing to the sustainable management and protection of aquatic resources in the area.
In recent times, environmentaleducation and propaganda work has always been of interest to the local government and the Xuan Thuy National Park Management Board, and is considered a top priority in the conservation and development of forests and biodiversity. Activities have been implemented synchronously, diversely, and in-depth, such as: building information and propaganda boards; editing and designing communication publications; bringing environmental education programs into the school system in the district's buffer zone communes; organizing competitions to learn about and draw pictures about mangrove forests and migratory birds; organizing direct propaganda conferences and propaganda through the radio system; building programs and reports introducing Xuan Thuy National Park; building and developing websites and social platforms... By combining propaganda and education to raise awareness for the local community and related parties, while strictly handling violations, limiting the number of cases of encroachment on forests, biodiversity and the environment in the area. The local community, together with sectors and authorities at all levels, have actively participated in the management of natural resources and the environment of Xuan Thuy National Park; visitors to the Park have become more responsible and aware in minimizing negative impacts on environmental resources.
Ecotourism development is considered a key task to support the management and protection of forests, biodiversity and the environment at Xuan Thuy National Park. With a favorable geographical location, beautiful natural scenery, large mangrove vegetation, biodiversity, unique bird species and rich human resources, along with available infrastructure and advice and support from businesses, the ecotourism model of Xuan Thuy National Park is gradually taking shape clearly and in accordance with the needs and tastes of tourists. The highlight of the ecotourism model at Xuan Thuy National Park is the close connection between tourism development and environmental protection and improving people's lives. Tour routes such as: watching rare migratory birds, estuary cruises, countryside tours, experiencing the life of coastal fishermen or field trips, exploring mangrove forests have brought close, profound experiences, creating impressions and attracting tourists. Each tour route is a highlight of the landscape, nature, culinary culture and people. The tours have specific itineraries and times, suitable for many different groups of visitors, from students to research groups and international visitors who love nature. Through tourism activities, local communities not only have the opportunity to increase their income through tourism services but also play an active role in protecting natural resources.
Xuan Thuy National Park has a unique ecosystem and is a stopover for many species of seabirds. (Photo: PV) |
The construction, exploitation and development of experience routes such as: "A day as a fisherman", "Discovering mangrove trees", "Crazy cuisine of the coastal countryside" have become effective tools to communicate the value of the ecosystem and the role of people in preserving the living environment. With the migratory bird watching route, visitors will admire and watch rare water birds; coming to the countryside tour route, visitors will explore unique religious architectures, unique cultural activities of coastal residents in the Red River Delta. The special feature of these tourist routes lies not only in the natural beauty, but also in the experiences of the simple, rustic life of coastal people. Visitors can participate in daily activities such as: harvesting seafood, removing nets, scooping up clams, raking for cockles, or preparing dishes with local people from local specialties such as: clam soup, shrimp noodles, clam sauce, jellyfish salad... The countryside tour also attracts many people to explore the long-standing cultural values of the Red River Delta, from traditional thatched/thatched roof houses, moss-covered tiled roofs typical of the Northern countryside, to folk religious rituals associated with the lives of coastal residents. Xuan Thuy National Park is also promoting experiential tourism associated with environmental protection education, especially suitable for students and research groups. Visitors not only get to learn about the mangrove ecosystem in the field, but also participate in programs to learn about migratory birds, aquatic life, forest restoration processes, as well as environmental protection activities. Activities such as drawing pictures of nature, planting mangrove trees, participating in seminars on nature conservation... have helped raise community awareness, especially among the younger generation, in preserving precious natural resources.
In recent times, the average number of visitors to Xuan Thuy National Park has reached 20-25 thousand per year, and during the holidays of April 30 and May 1, it can welcome more than 4,500 visitors. These numbers not only reflect the attractiveness of the destination, but also show the great potential for developing green and responsible tourism in the region. Notably, recently, the Government has agreed to nominate and assign the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the People's Committee of Nam Dinh province to coordinate in preparing documents and conditions for ASEAN's assessment to be recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. In the coming time, the Xuan Thuy National Park Management Board will continue to coordinate with local authorities and tourism service enterprises to expand experience routes, invest in green infrastructure, train local human resources and strengthen communication and promotion to domestic and international tourists; At the same time, strengthen international cooperation and regional connectivity to make Xuan Thuy National Park a key destination for ecotourism in the Red River Delta and the North.
In the context of climate change and environmental degradation being global challenges, the community ecotourism model in Xuan Thuy National Park is becoming more meaningful. This is not only a solution for economic development, tourism development associated with environmental conservation, but also inspires the cooperation between people and nature. In addition, with the development of the green tourism model with increasing requirements for community responsibility, Xuan Thuy National Park is affirming its pioneering role in developing this type of tourism. Coming to Xuan Thuy National Park to see rare migratory birds listed in the "red book" in need of urgent protection, walking in the mangrove forest are interesting and valuable experiences, especially for those who want to live slowly, love to learn and explore. Developing ecotourism in Xuan Thuy National Park is a solution for green economic development, harmoniously combining the conservation of the natural environment with improving the quality of people's lives - a model that needs to be replicated in sustainable tourism development today.
Article and photos: Minh Tan
Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/xa-hoi/202504/phat-trien-du-lich-sinh-thai-cong-dong-tai-vuon-quoc-gia-xuan-thuy-huong-di-ben-vung-cho-bao-ton-di-santhien-nhien-4a7609c/
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