To let whales still return to the sea

This can also be considered a positive sign that the marine environment is reviving. However, behind that joy is a great concern. Experts warn that the spontaneous wave of tourism with the massive appearance of boats, canoes and uncontrolled fish-watching tours can cause whales to become stressed, leave, and even be in danger if they run aground...

This worrying situation does not only occur in Gia Lai. A scientific report said that in Khanh Hoa, the locality with the longest coastline in the country with famous bays such as Van Phong, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh..., more than 190 coral reefs have been recorded to have disappeared in just the past two decades. The cause is not only due to climate change, environmental pollution, overexploitation of seafood or encroachment on the sea for construction, but also stems from uncontrolled tourism activities.

The situation of anchored boats breaking corals, tourists trampling while diving, wastewater from coastal resorts being discharged directly into the sea, or tourism overload beyond the capacity of the environment have gradually exhausted the "hearts" of the ocean, the habitat of thousands of species of creatures. This is too high a price for unplanned development, when short-term economic growth and tourism overwhelm the vision of preserving long-term natural values. When the ecosystem is damaged, the tourism industry seems to "destroy" itself.

Faced with such worrying signs, the concept of “Zero Footprint Tourism” is emerging as a necessary and urgent direction. This is a tourism model that aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment, from limiting emissions and waste, to preserving nature, supporting local communities...

The good news is that the awareness of Vietnamese tourists is changing in a positive direction. According to Booking.com's Tourism and Sustainable Development 2025 report, 62% of Vietnamese tourists consider sustainable tourism an important criterion when choosing a destination and up to 90% want to choose environmentally friendly activities. Tourists no longer want to just "enjoy" the landscape, but want to become companions of nature, people who contribute to protecting, regenerating and honoring indigenous values.

Grasping this trend, many localities have effectively implemented green tourism models: tours to see turtles lay eggs in Con Dao, exploring Phong Nha - Ke Bang cave, farming tours in Tra Vinh, forest bathing in Dong Nai... These experiences not only attract high-end international visitors but also domestic visitors who are willing to pay higher prices for responsible tourism.

To realize the goal of sustainable tourism development, in addition to community awareness, a clear policy system and a strong enforcement mechanism are needed. We cannot continue to do things in a “quick and easy” manner, so that when nature is exhausted, tourism will also “die” along.

If implemented in the right direction, sustainable tourism not only helps protect the environment but also improves the quality of experience. That is when tourism becomes a journey of deep connection between people and nature, between the present and the future. Vietnam can absolutely learn from the models of “green passport”, “green tour”, “sustainable destination” to build a serious and internationally competitive eco-tourism brand.

The strategy of Vietnam’s tourism industry today is no longer “how to do tourism to attract tourists”, but how to ensure that in 10 years, whales still return to the sea, coral reefs are still vibrant, and local communities are still prosperous? That is not just a choice, but a responsibility.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/de-ca-voi-van-ve-bien-post803311.html