Community-based ecotourism is a sustainable economy development trend worldwide in recent decades. The profits from this new operating model not only contribute to improve household income in rural, coastal and mountainous regions, but also increase awareness of local people on the value of natural resources.
On 29th September, 2016 the Study Aboard Program, School for International Training (SIT) associated with the Center for Social Research and Development (CSRD) to organize a community-based ecotourism for roughly 30 students from different universities of the United States in Ngu My Thanh Village, Quang Loi Commune, Quang Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province. On behalf of the CSRD, Ms. Pham Thi Dieu My, Ms. Phan Thi Ngoc Thuy, who have extensive experience in the field of environment, gender and social development, supported and shared meaningful information with this student group.
The tour purpose was to help American students learn the patterns of livelihood in one of the biggest lagoons in Southeast Asia and the ways in which a fishing community has responded to adapt with climate change and has conserved aquaculture environment around them.
It was wonderful experience for American students. Mr. Ha Binh and other local tour guides helped them to understand much on daily activity of local people there. This student group felt excited and really enjoyable when they practiced to catch “Tria” (a local shell type) as real fishermen and fisherwomen. The evening ended with Vietnamese cuisine prepared by the women’s union.
Emily Laura –an American student shared: “It’s great, thank you so much for the tour as well as the information that you’ve shared.”
At CSRD office, the student group had more time to discuss on other issues such as climate changeenvironment protection and hydropower development in the Central Region, the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Ms. Pham Thi Dieu My said: “We hope that what we have shared will be useful for students’ study and their work related to social and environmental development”.
All in all, this community-based ecotourism reached its aim successfully. Students felt very excited with their trip, local food and knowledge from CSRD’s staff.
In coming time, CSRD will continue our support toward community-based ecotourism activities in Ngu My Thanh Village and other potential areas. To get further details on community-based ecotourism and other development projects supported by CSRD, please contact us at the email address: info@www.csrd.vn
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