FOUNDING SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT AT DONG CHAU – KHE NUOC TRONG NATURE RESERVE

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, established in 2020, is located in the southwest of Quang Binh province and covers a total area of 22,210.22 hectares. Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is notable for its distinctive ecosystem of the Central Annamites mountain range and is home to 1,030 plant species and 357 vertebrate species, including many endemic and rare species of Vietnam. With the passage of time, people also enrich the value of Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong, namely the renowned Ho Chi Minh trail and remarkable cultural identity of its dwellers – Van Kieu ethnic community.

According to the master plan for tourism development in Quang Binh province until 2025 and vision to 2030, the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is a key destination in the province’s tourism network. It contributes to the overall development of tourism in the province and also generates revenue for nature conservation and biodiversity protection in the Central Annamites mountain range.

To preserve and cultivate its values, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is supporting Fauna & Flora (FF) and the Management Board of the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve in developing an ecotourism plan for the 2024 – 2030 period. The plan aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism activities at Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong to engage the local community and generate stable revenue. This initiative not only supports biodiversity conservation and management but also ensures sustainable livelihoods for the buffer zone communities, thereby reducing impacts on the environment. Tourism activities will focus on experience and education, ultimately enhancing public understanding of natural values and biodiversity conservation efforts, thereby raising awareness and fostering responsible behavior towards nature conservation.

With its vision, CCD is currently and continues to support the planning and development of sustainable, responsible ecotourism for national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam. This effort aims to ensure the harmony between conservation and development, fostering a strong connection between people and nature.