On 29^th, 30^th and 31^st of March 2021, the kick-off meetings with local authorities and field visits for the project “Sustainable Tourism through Cultural Heritage at the Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon” funded by PT Foundation were successfully organised in five communes, including Quang Loi commune (Quang Dien district), Dien Hai commune (Phong Dien district), Huong Phong commune (Huong Tra town), Phu An commune (Phu Vang district), and Loc Binh commune (Phu Loc district).

The meetings took place with the participation of the Director and the Project Coordinator of the Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research (CKC), the Vice-Presidents of the five communes, the representatives of the Culture Offices, the representatives of the Women’s Unions, and the local women selected for the project.

CKC had the opportunity to define with the local authorities the objectives and operational plan of the project so that we can better align and work in close collaboration with the key stakeholders to yield the best results for the project.

During the meetings, the local authorities highly appreciated the CKC’s initiative and considered it as a positive sign for their potential industry – ecotourism. They also devoted themselves to the planning of the project and expressed their willingness to support and involve in the upcoming activities. Mrs. Tran Thi Nhan – Chairwoman of Huong Phong Commune Women’s Union shared: “The project is very consistent with the direction of local development, as sustainable tourism development that brings value to the community is in line with the Party Committee’s policy.”

The five areas of the project belong to Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon, the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia that retains a valuable cultural heritage. The places hold great potential for ecotourism development, for example the primeval Ru Cha mangrove forest, the pristine Loc Binh beach, the attractive Chuon Lagoon tourist area, the charming Ngu My Thanh fresco village or Sao hamlet – a rare floating fishing village of Tam Giang Lagoon.

The project aims to promote sustainable tourism by empowering women, thereby contributing to preserving and popularising the culture values through research, recording and using local culture in Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon. The project was funded by PT Foundation and approved by the Provincial People’s Committee in the Decision No. 2910/QĐ-UBND on 16 November of 2020.

Chi Duong