On December 30, the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with Quy Nhon University, held a scientific seminar on developing green tourism criteria associated with distinctive tourism products in the Kon Hà Nừng Plateau World Biosphere Reserve. The event was part of a provincial-level science and technology project focused on building a green tourism model for the reserve.
Led by Quy Nhon University, the project is directed by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Xuân and will run for 24 months, from June 2025 to May 2027. It has a total budget of more than VND 1.3 billion (about USD 52,000).
The project aims to establish a green tourism model that creates new tourism products linked to indigenous knowledge of ethnic minority communities while protecting the natural values of the Kon Hà Nừng Plateau World Biosphere Reserve. The initiative is expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of tourism in Gia Lai province.
During the workshop, participants discussed key issues including green tourism concepts and environmentally responsible behavior in tourism, research gaps and practical lessons, and the potential, opportunities, and challenges for developing green tourism in Kon Ka Kinh National Park.
Other topics included results from developing green tourism criteria for exploration, experiential activities, and accommodation in the Kon Hà Nừng Plateau World Biosphere Reserve, as well as experiences in sustainable community-based tourism development in Gò Cỏ Village.
The green tourism criteria set tailored to the reserve’s unique tourism products is intended to provide a foundation for shaping destinations and improving tourism sites, routes, and tours in a more sustainable direction across Gia Lai province.
According to the project team, the research will finalize the scientific basis for a green tourism model that enhances forest ecosystem service values and preserves the cultural knowledge of ethnic minority communities. It will also assess the current state and development potential of tourism in the Kon Hà Nừng Plateau World Biosphere Reserve.
In addition, the team plans to develop and transfer two green tourism models associated with sightseeing and experiential tourism products, helping to create stable livelihoods for local ethnic minority communities. Promotional tools and policy solutions for green tourism development will also be proposed.
Beyond its practical applications, the project is expected to serve as a reference for future research on green tourism and as teaching material for disciplines such as Geography, Vietnamese Studies–Tourism, and Travel Management at Quy Nhon University.
