Dien Lam Commune in Khanh Hoa Province: Revitalizing Local Economy Through Eco-Tourism

Dien Lam Commune in Khanh Hoa Province is focusing on developing eco-tourism and community-based tourism by leveraging its unique natural landscapes and local culture. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's broader strategy to transition towards a "green economy" and achieve sustainable economic growth. Located about a 40-minute drive from Nha Trang city, Dien Lam Commune boasts a "three-river confluence" terrain, blending hills and plains with pristine natural beauty. With an area of over 117 square kilometers and a population exceeding 16,000, the commune holds significant potential for developing ecological agriculture, commerce, services, and community tourism. The efforts to improve residents' livelihoods are encouraging the participation of local businesses and individuals. For instance, the Nông Trại Vui Agricultural Tourism Cooperative collaborates with local farmers to offer hands-on agricultural experiences, including planting vegetables, rice cultivation, harvesting sugarcane and fruits, fishing, and camping. This allows tourists to experience rural Vietnamese life while also boosting local agricultural product consumption and creating new employment opportunities. A representative from the cooperative stated their aim is to realize the goal of "not leaving the countryside, but not being separated from the countryside." Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy, Director of Eco Park, also highlighted that Dien Lam's greatest advantage is its well-preserved natural ecosystem and clean environment, despite its proximity to the city. She expressed a desire for visitors to not only immerse themselves in nature but also to experience the lives of farmers, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for labor and the values of rural life. Mr. Nguyen Duc Tri, Secretary of the Dien Lam Commune Party Committee, outlined the commune's economic restructuring plan, prioritizing services, tourism, industry, construction, and agriculture, with eco-tourism and community tourism linked to agricultural production as key development drivers. The commune is adjusting its land-use planning to promote sustainable development, favoring areas along rivers and scenic spots for commerce, services, and eco-tourism while protecting the environment and preserving green spaces. Their objectives include establishing characteristic community and experiential tourism sites by 2030 and becoming a branded eco-tourism destination in the province by 2045. In agriculture, sugarcane remains a primary crop, cultivated over approximately 670 hectares with an average yield of 55 tons per hectare. Additionally, the commune encourages the cultivation of crops like corn, taro, cassava, and vegetables, providing raw materials for production and tourism activities. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to switch from low-efficiency crops to medicinal plants such as Pueraria candollei var.thomsonii (Đinh lăng) and Codonopsis pilosula (Sâm Bố Chính), which are suitable for the local environment. By linking medicinal plant cultivation with experiential and community tourism, the commune aims to form a value chain from production and processing to service provision, thereby increasing residents' income and fostering sustainable green economic development. In the future, the commune plans to invest in transportation infrastructure connecting tourist sites, improve electricity and water systems, develop parking lots and rest stops, enhance human resources, promote digital transformation, market OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, and expand cooperation with travel agencies to gradually elevate tourism into a crucial economic sector. Formerly a purely agricultural area, Dien Lam Commune is transforming into a region that harmoniously integrates agriculture, tourism, and natural resource conservation, offering multifaceted value. With the government, businesses, and residents sharing a common vision, this hilly region is not only opening new livelihood avenues for its people but also gradually solidifying its position as a distinctive eco-tourism destination in western Khanh Hoa Province. Source: Nhan Dan