(TITC) – The People’s Committee of Hoi An City has recently launched the campaign “Tourists and fishermen bring trash back to shore” to protect the marine environment, reduce plastic waste pollution, and safeguard ecosystems and landscapes in the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area. The initiative also aims to promote Cu Lao Cham as a green, eco-friendly travel destination.
Cham Islands fishermen respond to the festival “Green Fishermen – Clean Sea
A Shared Responsibility for a Cleaner Sea
The campaign’s key goal is to raise awareness and encourage concrete action among tourists, fishermen, and businesses. Specifically, it seeks to reduce 70%–80% of waste, damaged fishing gear, and floating plastics in the waters, on beaches, and on the seabed in areas where tourism and fishing take place.
An effective and sustainable coordination mechanism will be established among stakeholders from Cua Dai to Cu Lao Cham to manage waste. Successful waste collection and treatment models will be replicated, further positioning Cu Lao Cham as an attractive ecotourism destination.
Implementation Roadmap
The pilot phase will run until December 2025, followed by the official rollout from 2026 to 2030. The campaign will be carried out regularly, adapted to seasonal and weather conditions, and integrated into both tourism and fisheries activities.
Key measures include:
Establishing coordination mechanisms and signing commitments among management agencies, businesses, and fishermen.
Organizing communication campaigns and public events to raise awareness and mobilize community participation.
Supporting initial solutions to reduce plastic use and providing necessary equipment for waste collection.
Ensuring proper systems for waste segregation, collection, and treatment.
Strengthening inspection, monitoring, and periodic reviews.
Practical Actions to Protect the Sea
Tourists take part in the “Plastic-Free Festival” on Cham Islands
The campaign features several practical activities, such as public awareness campaigns, distributing mesh bags and waste-sorting bins for fishing boats and tourist vessels, and setting up “waste collection stations” at Cua Dai Wharf and Bai Lang.
Tour guides, captains, and boat owners will incorporate environmental protection messages into their tours. Community and tourist events will be held regularly under the theme “A Day for Waste-Free Seas and Islands.”
Target groups include fishermen operating in the waters of Cua Dai and Cu Lao Cham, tourists visiting the Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve (core area), tour operators on the Cua Dai–Cu Lao Cham route, as well as restaurants, homestays, and tourism service providers.
Infrastructure for Waste Collection
To increase efficiency, waste-sorting and collection points will be set up both on the islands and on the mainland. Six “Ocean Houses” have already been installed at beaches and harbors on Cu Lao Cham, while three collection stations are located near Cua Dai Wharf. Each station provides clear guidance for sorting inorganic and recyclable waste.
Boats will be equipped with biodegradable or reusable waste bags, mesh sacks, and color-coded containers for waste segregation. Mini trash bins will also be placed on fishing and tourist boats. Specialized eco-friendly waste bags will be distributed to fishermen and operators, with training provided for proper usage.
Shared Efforts Between Tourists and Fishermen
A waste collection point on Cham Islands
For tourists and tourism businesses, waste generated during visits to Cu Lao Cham will be carried back to the mainland and disposed of at collection stations at Cua Dai Wharf.
For local fishermen in Tan Hiep Commune, waste generated during fishing or collected at sea will be deposited at the six Ocean Houses. Fishermen from outside Tan Hiep, who operate in the Cua Dai–Cu Lao Cham waters and land at Cua Dai, will deliver their waste to the designated collection station at the Cua Dai Border Guard Control Post.
A Greener Future for Cu Lao Cham
With the cooperation of tourists, fishermen, businesses, and authorities, the campaign aspires to transform Cu Lao Cham into a model for sustainable waste management and eco-tourism in Vietnam. It is not only an environmental initiative but also a step toward building a clean, green, and welcoming marine destination for future generations.
Tourism Information Technology Center
