For decades, most residents on the island commune relied primarily on fishing for their livelihoods. But increasingly unpredictable weather conditions and mounting pressures associated with offshore work have prompted local authorities to explore alternative economic opportunities based on the island’s natural advantages and pristine landscapes.
Beginning in early 2026, pilot projects for raising sand lizards, also known as island lizards, and free-range hill chickens have been introduced as part of efforts to create new and more sustainable income sources for local communities.
Nhơn Châu’s sandy hills and characteristically hot, dry climate are considered well-suited for sand lizard farming. The species adapts effectively to arid environments, is relatively resistant to disease and requires relatively low production costs.
At the same time, the island’s natural hillsides are being utilized for free-range chicken farming, allowing the birds to roam freely and produce firm, flavorful meat that meets market demand.
As part of the “island chicken” initiative, C.P. Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company supported the project by providing 2,000 chicks to local residents at the end of 2025.
Hồ Ngọc Tại, Human Resources Director for the Central and Central Highlands region at C.P. Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company, said the company was not only supplying chicks but also transferring farming techniques to help residents develop more systematic and sustainable production practices.
“In addition to supplying chicks, our company also focuses on transferring technical know-how, helping locals adopt more systematic and sustainable farming practices. Once residents have stable livelihoods, community-based tourism models will also have the conditions to develop in tandem, thereby contributing to socio-economic growth,” Tại said.
Beyond sand lizard and island chicken farming, Nhơn Châu authorities are also studying additional livelihood models aimed at diversifying local products and enhancing visitor experiences.
The commune’s untouched scenery, clean environment and peaceful island lifestyle are regarded as key assets for developing experiential tourism.
Nhơn Châu currently offers a range of sightseeing and outdoor destinations, including Bãi Nhỏ, Bãi Bổn, Bãi Nam, Bãi Đông and Thảo Nguyên rocky beach, along with scenic viewpoints at Vũng Tròn, Hòn Két Cape, the lighthouse, the Thanh Niên flagpole and Bàn Cờ Tiên.
Tourism activities linked to the daily lives of local fishermen, such as basket boat rowing and fish-catching experiences, have also been introduced to visitors, allowing tourists to engage directly with island life.
Huỳnh Thị Mỹ Tiên, a tourist from Đồng Nai province, said she was impressed by the island’s crystal-clear waters, peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled scenery.
“I am very impressed by the crystal-clear sea, the peaceful atmosphere, and the untouched scenery here. This is my first time visiting an island commune like Nhơn Châu, so everything feels new and exciting, especially the experiential activities connected to local life,” Tiên said.
According to Dương Hiệp Hưng, Chairman of the Nhơn Châu Commune People’s Committee, the locality is also researching pilot cultivation of Mỹ Thọ giant winter melon on the island.
At the same time, residents are developing products such as wild pineapple juice, dried wild pineapple and handicrafts made from seashells to support tourism activities.
“Although still in the early stages, the combination of developing production models, services, and experiential tourism is opening up promising new directions for Nhơn Châu. We aim to create more products that reflect the unique identity of the island commune, thereby improving residents’ livelihoods and adding distinctive features to attract more visitors to Nhơn Châu,” Hưng said.