Forests, with their pristine beauty and significant ecological value, have become an ideal destination for tourism activities. However, in many cases, the development of tourism in mountainous forest areas is not managed and implemented sustainably, leading to the risk of declining the typical values of the forests.

A tourist admiring the natural beauty of the Son Tra Peninsula. Photo: T.Y.

Once lost, forests are difficult to recover.

Stretching about 15km from the Hai Van Pass to the sea, the Luong Stream in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, was once known for its pristine beauty and as the habitat of unique fish species such as loach and catfish. The stream used to have a width of 5 meters and a depth of 1-2 meters depending on the terrain. It was the main source of water for rice cultivation, forestry, and domestic water supply for people living along both sides of the stream.

However, in recent years, this stream has been depleted due to unregulated tourism activities lacking local government management. The construction of tent systems along the stream and other tourism infrastructure by tourism operators has destroyed the flow and vegetation, altering the structure and function of the ecosystem in this area.

"Eco-tourism in the forest canopy should focus on experiencing, exploring, and learning rather than entertainment, accommodation, and singing. Going into the forest to breathe, bathe in natural air, explore the wonders of nature, and, most importantly, learn and study about nature will promote any eco-tourism service under the forest canopy. As for accommodation and overnight stays, they should only be allowed in production forests and must be tightly controlled by local authorities. Remember, for eco-tourism under the forest canopy to be sustainable and long-lasting, respect and protection of the natural environment are indispensable” Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Minh, Rector of the University of Science and Education - The University of Da Nang said.

Reflecting on Luong Stream, which has been ravaged by illegal tourism development projects, Nguyen Minh Hoang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, said that there was a time when there were many spontaneous tourist spots along the stream. In 2023, the local government requested households to dismantle and not construct any structures because this area falls within the forest land area. It can be said that the aftermath of the eco-tourism type "killing" the Luong Stream has been seen by the local authorities, but after many administrative fines, forced dismantling decisions, concrete barriers to block the flow, or rock dams still left many rough traces along the stream bank.

Along with the investment wave, the construction of eco-tourism areas, many households have ignored the regulations of forest land fences to make tourist areas, causing the landscape and environment to be destroyed. Also in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, a self-established eco-tourism area called Cau Hai Van Hill opened to visitors about a year ago before receiving a forced demolition decision from the local government due to violations in signing forest land transfer contracts and illegal service opening. The lesson about loosening management, negatively affecting the mountainous ecosystem, is also seen through dozens of illegal tourism exploitation projects on Son Tra Peninsula reclaimed by the city, enforced in 2023, after nearly a decade of investors turning a blind eye to administrative decisions. However, after nearly a year, Ban Ban, Rang Beach stopped receiving guests, the traces of concrete, steel structure still remained quite rough.

Organizing many community education programmes on conservation and development of eco-tourism along the provinces in the Central region, Dr Chu Manh Trinh believes that if the city continues to allow illegal eco-tourism projects to encroach on the forest, it will be very difficult to restore the forest to its original state. Because this can cause negative consequences for the environment, especially for natural forest areas. According to him, infrastructure construction activities such as roads, rest stops, and other facilities in the forest area can lead to the destruction of the natural habitat of flora and fauna, thereby hindering the ability of forest regeneration as well as the reproductive process of endemic species.

Towards environmental protection education

Currently, to develop eco-tourism areas under the forest canopy, investors can rent forest environments or convert part of the forest land to build accommodation and service facilities. Article 5 of the 2017 Forestry Law clearly states that Viet Nam has 3 types of forests: special-use forests, protective forests, and production forests, all of which can provide tourism services through contracts to rent forest environments, as long as they do not affect biodiversity, conservation of natural ecosystems, environmental landscape, and are consistent with approved tourism development projects.

Faced with concerns that developing tourism under the forest canopy could seriously affect forest environments, Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Minh, Rector of the University of Science and Education, the University of Da Nang, believes that regulations on density, construction works are necessary, but more importantly, there should be regulations on investor selection. And in the criteria for selecting investors, attention should be paid to civilised investors, serious in selecting which tourist subjects to serve.

"First of all, eco-tourism is a specialised type associated with nature and culture, so investors must be responsible for nature and culture, not just focusing on economics. It is essential to choose civilized guests, willing to pay fees to enjoy services from the ecosystem rather than just buying and selling ordinary dining, accommodation, entertainment services. Part of the service fees from the ecosystem must be paid to protect and preserve. Especially, it is necessary to identify this as a specialised tourism type. In the development plan, thorough scientific research and assessment of project impacts on the forest are essential to minimize unwanted consequences," Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Minh analysed.

It can be said that the timely detection and rectification of self-established tourist spots named "eco-tourism" along the Luong Stream, the Hai Van Pass, and some other locations in Hoa Vang District have shown Da Nang's changing approach to tourism development, which is highly commendable.

Meanwhile, Hai Chau District with the intention of restoring flooded forest spaces along the Han River, Son Tra District proposing the idea of forming a natural education area at the foot of Son Tra Peninsula brings hope to nature lovers.

Faced with this reality, Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Minh believes that if Da Nang is determined to promote the establishment of the Son Tra Nature Reserve (on land) and the Son Tra Marine Reserve (underwater) to form a biosphere reserve, eco-tourism in Da Nang will truly become a desirable destination in the future, especially in the trend of integration and sustainable economic development.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by T.VY