Khanh Hoa (VNA) – Nha Trang Bay, a crown jewel of Nha Trang city, the sou🀅th central province of Khanh Hoa that attracts millions of visitors annually, has undergone a remarkable environmental and green transition initiative to preserve and promote its ecosystem.

Boasting a diverse marine ecosystem, Khanh Hoa is leveraging its natural advantages to branch out various maritime industries, particularly tourism, seaport and aquaculture. The push for a greener bay is part of the locality’s “green transition, green growth” plan for the 2024-2030 period. According to Dam Hai Van, deputy head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, significant progress in coral reef restoration and mangrove forest rehabilitation has been made over the past time. Thanks to sound coordination with competent organisations, agencies and universities as well as communications campaign to encourage the local community to plant trees for climate change mitigation, the mangrove forest coverage in the area now expands to 7.8 hectares. The bay’s coral reef has shown signs of recovery, slow but positive, following a year-long suspension of diving activities and regular clean-up operations, he said, adding the board has observed the return of coral communities, fish population and sea turtles.

With a view to maintaining the bay's ecological health, the board has carried out strict measures against single-use plastics at the Nha Trang Tourist Port and on Mun Island. The city People’s Committee has promoted communications work and conducted regular waste collection along the Cai River and coastline, while monitoring waste management systems on islands, at tourist sites, and in aquaculture facilities, he added. Nguyen Hoa, a resident in Bich Dam residential area, said the local people have responded enthusiastically to the initiative, with each being an “environmental ambassador” to enhance the pearl island's appeal to visitors.

Joining the local efforts, the Khanh Hoa Women’s Union has launched a project on promoting dialogue between communities and private sectors and government agencies for coral reef conservation and sustainable development in the waters of Mun Island. Phan Thi Hoa Binh, Vice Chairwoman of the union, said various activities have been carried out to improve local women’s knowledge on plastic waste reduction, environmental protection and coral reef preservation. These collective efforts have strengthened Nha Trang Bay's position as a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, while helping it increase appeal to both domestic and foreign visitors./.