Bich Dam Island Village faces a great opportunity.

Located in the middle of Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa province, Bich Dam is emerging as a sustainable livelihood development point for coastal and island areas, linked to tourism.

Khanh Hoa province is finalizing the draft "Functional Zoning of Nha Trang Bay," which emphasizes the Hon Mun - Bich Dam island area with a focus on sustainable coral reef development and improving livelihoods for the local community on Bich Dam island.

Fishermen doing tourism

According to Dr. Ho Van The, Deputy Director of the Institute of Oceanography (the consulting unit for the zoning plan), the revised functional zoning plan for Nha Trang Bay consists of two zones: the mainland area belonging to Nha Trang City and the Nha Trang Bay area. The mainland area belonging to Nha Trang City is divided into 6 zones, and the Nha Trang Bay area is divided into 4 zones. The total area of ​​the functional zones of Nha Trang Bay is 26,490 hectares, including 22,482 hectares of water surface and 4,008 hectares of islands.

Community-based tourism linked to environmental protection is a sustainable livelihood development direction for Bich Dam.

Notably, Nha Trang Bay has 19 islands of varying sizes, including the Bich Dam residential area (part of Hon Tre Island) with approximately 228 households and about 880 inhabitants, located near the strictly protected Hon Mun area (Nha Trang Bay Marine Reserve). Therefore, allowing illegal fishing activities and plastic waste dumping here will cause environmental pollution and endanger the coral reefs in the strictly protected Hon Mun area.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, National Coordinator - GEF/SGP/UNDP (Global Environment Fund and United Nations Development Programme), the proposed solution is to work together to help the people on Bich Dam Island access and jointly manage and protect aquatic resources. Simultaneously, a unique community-based tourism model can be implemented through co-management.

In fact, for nearly a year, the Bich Dam Women's Association has coordinated with local people to hold dialogues between residents, the government, and businesses, paving the way for the formation and development of the Bich Dam community tourism model. Local households have begun utilizing their own homes to create homestays, cooking traditional meals for tourists, guiding visitors to explore the Bich Dam communal house, Hon Lon lighthouse, and learning about the sea and the livelihoods of fishermen.

Ms. Duong Thi Tho, Head of the Women's Association of Bich Dam residential area - who is directly involved in community tourism - said that her family welcomes one to two groups of tourists each day, with each group ranging from 5 to 25 people. Tourists are treated to meals prepared by the family with a simple, local menu. Fresh seafood such as shrimp and fish are readily available on the island. Reasonable costs, a peaceful atmosphere, and simple yet delicious food have made many tourists return again and again.

Mr. Tran Bao, a tourist, believes that the value of Bich Dam lies in the peaceful atmosphere of the fishing village in the early morning and the starfish viewing at night. It offers a relaxed atmosphere for eating, enjoying the sea view, and feeling the "healing" effect for those who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Green and sustainable

The Bich Dam residential area on Hon Tre island in Nha Trang Bay ( thuộc Vinh Nguyen ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province) possesses a rustic, peaceful beauty and has great potential for developing community tourism.

Recently, the People's Committee of Nha Trang City approved a project for the development of green and sustainable community tourism in Bich Dam residential area. The project aims to create new tourism products, generate sustainable livelihoods for local people, contribute to the conservation and development of marine biodiversity, maintain security and order, ensure environmental hygiene, and protect maritime sovereignty.

The project aims for Bich Dam to be recognized as a community tourism destination by the Provincial People's Committee in 2025; by 2030, Bich Dam will have 8-10 community tourism businesses; at least 80% of people participating in community tourism services will receive training in tourism management; it will welcome 45,000 tourists per year (of which 40% are international tourists); and it will create regular jobs for 200 direct and 50 indirect workers…

Mr. Truong Dinh Vinh, an official of the Bich Dam Community Tourism Management Board, said that in the coming time, the board will continue to work with the people to launch specialized teams such as: transportation teams, food teams, rescue teams... to ensure synchronized services and prevent price gouging and unfair competition.

He emphasized the need to establish operating regulations, organize training in customer service skills, and encourage local people to maintain environmental hygiene and avoid littering. These are key factors for the sustainable development of community tourism.

"The magic rice pot" for livelihood

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, stated that Bich Dam Island has exceptional potential for developing community-based tourism linked to the rational exploitation of marine resources. Bich Dam possesses a rich marine ecosystem, especially coral reefs, which are a vital source of livelihood for the local people. For community-based tourism in Bich Dam to develop effectively, it must ensure three key aspects: "security," "well-being," and "safety." These are core values ​​that need to be upheld.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/xom-dao-bich-dam-truc-co-hoi-lon-196250528203751446.htm