New life in coastal villages

As soon as the sun rose, Dong Tac fishing port ( Phu Yen ward) was bustling with the sight of boats docking. With a modern and spacious infrastructure and moorings, hundreds of boats come and go every day, bringing back full holds of shrimp, fish, and squid.

Far from the fishing port is a residential area with solid houses and smooth concrete roads. Fisherman Nguyen Van Hoi recalls: “In the past, we went to sea in small boats, only going close to shore. The sea gave us whatever we could eat, sometimes we could catch something, sometimes we couldn’t. When the policy to support fishermen was implemented, the appearance of the fishing village here began to change. A series of steel-hulled and solid wooden-hulled fishing boats were born, capable of going dozens of nautical miles offshore. Now, when we go far out to sea, we can catch many kinds of high-value seafood. People also unite into teams, supporting each other in the open sea. Thanks to that, life is much better than before.”

With the support of the State, fishermen can confidently stay at sea, creating jobs for many local workers.

In recent years, many coastal villages in the East of Dak Lak no longer have to worry about high tides and big waves. Since 2015, 13 embankment projects have been built to urgently deal with coastal erosion in the province. The embankments have become solid walls, protecting the lives and property of thousands of households in coastal villages.

In Tuy An Nam commune, since An Chan embankment was invested and put into use, local households have been extremely happy. The coastal village is more spacious with new houses and sturdy fences. The traffic road combined with the embankment is planted with flowers and kept clean and beautiful by the locals.

Removing fish from the net after a trip to sea, Mr. Tran Cu in Tuy An Nam commune happily said: "For the past 10 years, the high tides have increasingly eroded the coast, threatening people's homes. Fortunately, the government promptly built a protective embankment. The fierce waves caused by the impact of tropical depressions have been stopped by the embankment. With a solid sea embankment, everyone is happy."

Starting from a simple engineering project, the Xom Ro sea breakwater, Phu Yen ward has become a familiar destination for locals and tourists. Made from square boulders and concrete, over time, a layer of green moss has begun to grow thickly on the surface of the block, half submerged - half floating in the water. When the tide goes down, the moss is exposed to the shimmering sunlight. In addition, with its wave-blocking design, the sea breakwater has contributed to creating a safe beach for people.

Not only does it play a role in breaking waves and helping people settle down, Xom Ro embankment has also become a famous check-in spot. Ms. Pham Thi Tu Anh, a tourist in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I am very impressed with the space at Xom Ro embankment area. The wave-breaking concrete blocks of various sizes are covered with soft green moss, like decorative patterns on the beach. In the distance is the tip of the breakwater jutting out into the sea. Not only me, but many young people are quite interested in this scene.”

With a surrounding embankment system, Xom Ro beach area forms a fairly safe beach, attracting a large number of residents and tourists.

With their wild beauty, the coastal villages in the eastern part of Dak Lak are becoming an attractive destination for tourists. Based on practical needs, in addition to earning a living by fishing, local people have boldly invested in trading and developing coastal accommodation tourism to improve their livelihoods. Traditional fishing festivals, operas, and boat races have also been restored, becoming a highlight to attract tourists, contributing to preserving the cultural identity of the sea.

According to Mr. Ngo Duc Hieu, a homestay owner in O Loan commune, realizing the demand of tourists who like to experience forms in the coastal village, he boldly invested in the homestay business. Visitors coming here often immerse themselves in the life of the coastal village, experience the early morning fish market and buy fish and shrimp that the locals catch. Food and beverage services around are also flourishing. Some families here who used to only fish for fishing are now also doing business, both earning extra income and promoting the culture of the coastal village. Thanks to that, the lives of the people here are increasingly developing.

The changes in the coastal villages today are a vivid picture of a land that has both retained its rustic spirit and taken on a new look of development. Full holds of fish, spacious new houses, and groups of tourists coming to experience - all show that the aspiration of the people here to go offshore is not only a matter of making a living, but also a belief in a bright future.

“The biggest change is not only in the infrastructure but also in the mindset. People now not only know how to go to the beach but also think about protecting the marine environment, sustainable development, and civilized tourism. We often organize beach cleaning activities, and tourists also enthusiastically participate,” said Mr. Nguyen Xuan Canh, Chairman of Phu Yen Ward People’s Committee.

The development of the marine economy and tourism has brought a new look to the coastal villages. Concrete roads, electricity, schools, medical stations, etc. have sprung up one after another. Programs to support fishermen to stay at sea and protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands have not only provided a livelihood but also affirmed the determination of the people to stay with the sea.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202509/suc-song-moi-o-cac-lang-ven-bien-5462119/