Cô On and Hòn Yến Fishing Villages in Vietnam Shift to Green Tourism

Cô On and Hòn Yến Fishing Villages in Vietnam Shift to Green Tourism
Cô On and Hòn Yến Fishing Villages in Vietnam Shift to Green Tourism
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On the windswept shores of Phú Yên, as the sun rises over the horizon, gentle rays cast a golden glow upon the shimmering coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear waters of Hòn Yến. The deep blue ocean, infused with the salt-laden breeze, enfolds the island and its velvety white sands in a tender embrace. In the distance, round basket boats return from a night of fishing, carrying with them the heartbeats of the sea.  

Emerged from the serene landscape sits Cô (Mrs.) Huỳnh Thị Kim On, on her porch, her hands deftly weaving fishing nets. Her face glows in the early sunlight, her warm smile ever-present as chatters with neighbors and passing tourists filled the air. Weaving nets is more than just her daily work – it's her life anchored in the traditions of her village.  

Hòn Yến, where Cô On lives, is about 20 kilometers from Tuy Hoà of Phú Yên. Renowned for its coral reefs and abundant marine life, Hòn Yến has long been a haven for its fishers. The coral reefs, sprawling over 12.7 hectares and reaching 150 meters from the island to the mainland, provide shelter to a multitude of marine species, supporting the livelihoods of over 2,060 residents. However, these reefs are facing severe degradation due to the growing demands of tourism. Not only does it threaten the delicate balance of Hòn Yến's marine ecosystem, but it also jeopardizes the livelihoods of the fishing village.   

Recognizing the urgency of balancing coral reef protection and ecotourism development, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, partners with the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grant Programme (GEF SGP), the Women’s Unions of Phú Yên Province and An Hòa Hải commune to establish the Hòn Yến Service and Ecology Cooperative (Eco-Coop). The goal is to direct 15% of tourism revenue from Eco-Coop's organized activities toward coral conservation.