HUẾ —  Huế is stepping up efforts to position itself as one of Việt Nam’s foremost green tourism destinations, with a long-term ambition of achieving a Net Zero model in tourism, reducing emissions to net zero.

Rú Chá, the only remaining primary mangrove forest on the Tam Giang Lagoon, is located in Hoá Châu Ward, just over 10 km from central Huế. 

Covering more than 30 hectares, the site has emerged as a popular “green” attraction for visitors.

The forest is home to a variety of mangrove species, including đước đôi, bần chua, and nipa palm. 

A community-led model to protect the environment and preserve the landscape has been implemented effectively. 

Waste bins and signage encouraging visitors not to litter and to protect the forest have been installed along access routes.

Lê Thị Ly, a visitor from Quảng Trị Province, said the forest’s appeal lies in its unspoilt scenery, fresh air, and notably clean environment, with little to no waste.

Beyond Rú Chá, several community-based, low-plastic tourism sites, including Thanh Toàn tiled-roof bridge in Thanh Thuỷ Ward, Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village (Cồn Tộc) in Đan Điền Commune, and Chuồn Lagoon in Mỹ Thượng Ward, are helping to reshape both public awareness and behaviour regarding environmental responsibility. 

These efforts are contributing to the development of more sustainable tourism.

Local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and homestays in these areas are embracing “green” practices by reducing plastic waste and making use of recycled materials. 

Visitors are also guided to engage in environmentally responsible travel practices.

According to Plan No. 168/KH-UBND dated March 27, issued by the Huế People’s Committee, which outlines the project “Improving the Quality of the Tourism Environment in Huế by 2030”, the city aims to become one of Việt Nam’s leading green tourism destinations by 2030, with a vision of achieving Net Zero tourism by 2050.

Targets include ensuring that 100 per cent of tourist sites are equipped with standard waste collection and sorting systems; all public tourist areas, beaches, and rest stops are fitted with appropriate bins for waste separation at source; and all destinations adopt codes of conduct linked to environmental protection. 

The plan also aims to reduce plastic waste and nylon bag usage by at least 30 per cent in heritage sites and tourist attractions.

To achieve these goals, Huế is implementing a range of measures, including establishing effective management systems to promptly address issues arising in tourism activities, raising public awareness of environmental, cultural and social values, investing in technical infrastructure, introducing supportive policies, and increasing the application of technology in environmental management within the tourism sector. —  VNS