Promoting Bich Dam community tourism associated with marine protection

Positive results achieved

On April 25, a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), headed by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Head of the National Steering Committee for the Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fisheries Society, and Member of the 15th National Assembly, engaged with the community of the Bich Dam Residential Group in Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, located in Khanh Hoa Province.

Bich Dam, situated in the heart of Nha Trang Bay, is in close proximity to the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area. In recent years, the environment of the bay, especially the coral reefs of Hon Mun, has exhibited signs of decrease attributed to a range of subjective and objective factors.

Ensuring the sustainable conservation and promotion of the value of marine protected areas necessitates the development of livelihoods for local communities residing near the reserve.

The Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has tasked the Provincial Women's Union with leading and coordinating efforts alongside the Nha Trang Bay Management Board to develop a project proposal. This initiative, titled “Promoting dialogue and cooperation between communities, the private sector, and state agencies in coral reef conservation and sustainable marine development in the Hon Mun area of Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province,” aims to foster collaboration for the protection and sustainable use of marine resources. The proposal has been officially submitted to the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment Facility (GEF SGP).

Funding for the project has been authorized by the provincial government, with operation scheduled from July 2023 through December 2024. The project encompasses a range of activities, including public consultations and training sessions aimed at equipping the residents of Bich Dam with skills for community-based livelihoods. The initiative facilitated study tours to Hon Yen in Phu Yen Province, focusing on community-engaged models for coral reef and ecosystem protection that are interconnected with ecotourism efforts.

The project also organized dialogues and workshops aimed at developing a sustainable community-based ecotourism model for Bich Dam. Furthermore, it included a consultation workshop focused on zoning the marine protected area of Nha Trang Bay. At the end of the project’s first phase, the Khanh Hoa Women’s Union, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, proposed implementing a community tourism model focused on environmental and coral reef protection in Bich Dam.

On March 4, 2025, the Nha Trang City People's Committee granted official approval for the project titled “Developing community tourism in Bich Dam towards green and sustainable development.”

The local community is urging sustained assistance

The arrival of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation at Bich Dam Island was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from the local residents. Mr. Truong Dinh Vinh, the Head of the Bich Dam Community Tourism Management Board, led a delegation on an insightful tour of local heritage sites. The itinerary included notable locations such as the Bich Dam Communal House, An Thanh Temple, Bich Son Pagoda, and a remarkable 150-year-old Indian almond tree, which was acknowledged as a heritage tree in 2024.

The group continued along the coastal path, taking in the vibrant scene of turquoise waters and blooming scarlet bougainvillea. The trip's schedule included a stop at Hon Lon Lighthouse, recognized as one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, which was constructed circa 1890.

During a recent return visit, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi noted significant advancements in Bich Dam. He highlighted the community's increased awareness regarding environmental protection, waste collection practices, and proper handling of plastic bottles and other waste materials.

Following a visit to the island's stunning natural landscapes, the UNDP delegation held a meeting with the local community.

During the gathering, the delegation paid close attention to the concerns and aspirations expressed by the people. The community has proposed several ideas to enhance community-based tourism in Bich Dam. These suggestions include investing in electricity and water infrastructure, upgrading tourist facilities, offering training courses in tourism and guiding services, improving transportation from the mainland to the island, and providing support for tourism promotion.

According to Mr. Truong Dinh Vinh, the lack of access to the national power grid has severely constrained both local livelihoods and services such as accommodation and dining. The impact of this limitation, particularly in the summer heat, has a direct correlation with visitor satisfaction and overall comfort levels.

In response, Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi acknowledged the validity of the community’s requests and expressed his support for implementing a second phase of the project. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that this phase does not coincide with the municipal project that has already received approval from Nha Trang City, which includes infrastructure investment in Bich Dam. The next stage may prioritize enhancing capacity and developing skills among residents, enabling them to manage community tourism more effectively and attract a greater number of visitors.

According to Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, the success of community tourism in Bich Dam must rest on three pillars: security, social welfare, and safety – these are the core values to be upheld. In addition, he emphasized that waterway transportation infrastructure, visitor hospitality, and preservation of cultural identity are key factors in encouraging tourists to stay longer and return in the future.