The Spring Ecotourism Area seen from above, with a large and pristine green space.

 

An attractive ecotourism destination

 

After the merger of 3 localities, the new Can Tho city has an area of over 6,300 square metres, a population of over 4 million people and 103 communes and wards. This is a major turning point in expanding the development space, enriching resources, identity and raw material areas to serve tourism development associated with the conservation of endemic nature.

 

Located on a large land area of about 130 hectares, this tourist area used to be a wild land with dense forest trees. With the passion of farmers, in 2017, the Spring Agricultural Joint Stock Company invested in an ecotourism area associated with nature conservation in a sustainable direction and gradually became an attractive destination for tourists.

 

According to Nguyen Van Hien, Director of Spring Agriculture Joint Stock Company, after the company invested in developing the tourist area, the number of visitors has increased significantly compared to before, reaching an average of about 1,500 visits per month, of which 70% are international visitors. In particular, the tourist area also attracts many groups of students to learn about nature, the environment and sustainable agricultural and tourism development models.

 

 

Tourists experience and take photos at the tourist area.

 

In addition, the landscape with shady primeval forests, thriving indigenous flora and fauna, creates a vibrant and harmonious ecological space. Visitors coming here can not only admire the wild beauty, but can also participate in many interesting activities such as: trekking through the forest, experiencing being a farmer, enjoying local specialties and taking photos with the original natural scenery.

 

 

Rare birds such as the Giang Sen and Co Ran live in the Spring Tourist Area.

 

Nguyen Thuy Trang, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “The Management Board keeps the landscape and environment pristine and airy. I am very happy to have the opportunity to come here.”

 

With a large green space, rich biodiversity and increasingly complete services, the Spring Tourist Area is gradually affirming its position as a new and unique destination on the eco-tourism map of Can Tho city.

 

Preserving the core values of nature

 

Not only stopping at tourism development, the Spring Tourist Area also clearly identifies a long-term strategy of linking development with nature conservation, a sustainable, humane and environmentally responsible direction.

 

From the beginning, the Management Board of the tourist area has committed to not building concrete or destroying the natural ecosystem. Instead, the entire area of 130 hectares is kept intact with natural flora; animals such as storks, herons, egrets, and snake-necked birds are protected and given the opportunity to reproduce in a suitable environment.

 

Nguyen Van Hien, Director of the Spring Agricultural Joint Stock Company, shared: “We strictly preserve. We only plant more trees, regenerate the forest environment and release more native animals to increase vitality. The goal is to keep the forest pristine, without damaging the existing ecosystem.”

 

According to statistics, there are currently nearly 30 snake-necked birds living here. Protecting and maintaining the habitat for these animals not only has the meaning of preserving biodiversity, but also creates added value for ecotourism, attracting tourists and research students.

 

Thanks to the orientation of tourism development associated with conservation, along with the commitment to fully preserving the natural ecosystem, the Spring Ecotourism Area has created special experiences, different from many common destinations. Tourists not only come to relax or visit, but also feel the strong message of respecting nature and a sustainable green lifestyle. In particular, the eco-tourism model combined with environmental protection education is gradually touching the hearts of the next generation.

 

Assessing the role and potential of tourism, La Trong Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, said: “Spring Tourist Area is a typical model for the development of eco-tourism associated with forest conservation and the specific ecosystem of wetlands. This is not only an attractive destination, but also has great potential to become a place for environmental education, raising community awareness and promoting the development of the city’s green economy in the coming period”.

 

La Trong Ky also emphasised: Replicating models like Spring Tourist Area is a necessary direction in other endemic ecological areas in the city. Because, in the context of complicated climate change, preserving natural resources, protecting forests and developing harmony between humans and the environment is the most sustainable solution.

 

 

Tourists experience and take photos at the tourist area.

 

However, to realise the potential and elevate ecotourism to a spearhead economic sector, the city needs to continue to promote: investing in infrastructure, training professional human resources, linking neighbouring destinations and promoting promotion. At the same time, strictly controlling forest encroachment and environmental pollution is also a vital factor to maintain the quality and reputation of ecotourism areas.

 

The Spring Ecotourism Area is a typical example of the harmony between tourism development and nature conservation. In the context of Can Tho’s recent expansion of its boundaries, this model not only helps to reasonably exploit local resources but also contributes significantly to environmental protection and preserving local identity.

 

Van Ut