The project “Strengthening Ecotourism Capacity for Hoang Lien National Park Staff and Stakeholders”, funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by the Center for Rural Development in the Northwest (TABA), recently organized a meaningful activity: bringing over 20 staff members from Hoang Lien National Park to visit and learn from Cat Tien National Park.
More than 20 staff members from Hoang Lien National Park had the opportunity to experience firsthand Cat Tien, a pioneer in sustainable ecotourism development. The trip was not only a chance to learn but also an opportunity for both sides to share their experiences in management, conservation, and tourism development.
During the trip, the Hoang Lien staff had valuable hands-on experiences:
- Exploring biodiversity: Visiting primary forests, learning about rare flora and fauna, and witnessing conservation efforts at Cat Tien.
- Experiencing tourism products: Participating in ecotourism tours, from hiking and bird watching to exploring local culture, to better understand how Cat Tien attracts and satisfies visitors.
- Exchanging experiences: Meeting and interacting with management staff, tourism experts, and local communities at Cat Tien, sharing challenges, and seeking solutions together.
From the trip, Hoang Lien National Park staff gained useful lessons:
- The importance of planning and management: Building a well-structured tourism development plan and strict management are key to protecting the environment and ensuring benefits for the community.
- The power of the community: Active participation of local people is crucial for sustainable tourism development.
- Innovation and product diversification: Creating unique tourism products that connect with nature and local culture is essential to attract visitors while preserving the environment.
With the knowledge and experience gained, Hoang Lien staff are enthusiastic and ready to build an ambitious 3-year action plan. TABA believes that with the cooperation and efforts of all stakeholders, Hoang Lien National Park will continue to develop, becoming an attractive ecotourism destination, contributing to nature conservation and bringing economic benefits to the local community.
