The Dak Lak Women’s Union and local authorities in O Loan Commune are implementing a project to protect coral reefs while promoting sustainable community tourism and coastal culture.
Hon Yen, formerly part of Phu Yen Province, is home to coral reefs covering about 12.7 hectares and is known for its rich marine ecosystem and basalt cliffs.
Local authorities said previous tourism activities had largely developed spontaneously, raising concerns over environmental damage, including coral trampling and littering by visitors.
The project, funded under the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF SGP), seeks to develop a more structured eco-tourism model centred on conservation and community participation.
Officials said the initiative aimed to turn Hon Yen into a sustainable tourism destination while creating jobs and increasing incomes for local residents.
The programme also encourages women and local communities to take a greater role in environmental protection and tourism through coral reef conservation groups and plastic-free coastal initiatives.
Training courses have been organised for local residents on tour guiding, cooking, handicraft production and tourism-related business skills to help professionalise local services and expand sustainable livelihoods.
Authorities said the project aimed to help local residents shift from traditional fishing to eco-tourism while promoting coral reef and marine conservation.