Net Zero Ecotourism

Not simply a green eco-tourism area, Blue Diamond Retreat also contributes to shaping the future of Vietnam tourism with the goal of Net Zero.

Blue Diamond Retreat eco-tourism area in Xuan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province is about 5 hectares wide. Not only attracting tourists by its pristine natural landscape, Blue Diamond Retreat is also the first tourist area in Vietnam aiming for Net Zero (net zero emissions), balancing total emissions.

Environmental protection, sustainable development

Located in the middle of the vast forest in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Blue Diamond Retreat is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also a pioneering model in combining environmental protection with sustainable development.

As more and more tourists seek out eco-friendly travel experiences, Oxalis has built and developed Blue Diamond Retreat into a unique green resort, while making a strong commitment to net zero emissions.

Tourist boats at Blue Diamond Retreat are powered by electric motors and wind power. Photo: OXALIS

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Ngan, Head of Marketing Department of Oxalis, said that with the goal of becoming the first resort in Vietnam to achieve Net Zero certification, the company has focused on investing in environmentally friendly infrastructure at Blue Diamond Retreat. Not only building a simple resort, Oxalis also aims to create a sustainable tourism model, helping visitors relax while contributing to environmental protection.

One of the highlights of Blue Diamond Retreat is the solar power system installed throughout the campsite and other facilities. This system provides clean energy for guests’ activities, from accommodation to transportation, such as electric cars and the E-Rice Ship. By using renewable energy, this resort not only minimizes negative impacts on the environment but also saves on operating costs.

Water management at Blue Diamond Retreat also impresses with its efficient conservation measures. The rainwater collection and rough filtration system helps create water sources for activities in the resort, reducing costs of water use and transportation, thereby saving resources and reducing emissions. This resort also focuses on protecting the ecosystem by minimizing tree cutting and concreting.

The walkway is designed above ground, minimizing impact on the flora and ecosystem at Blue Diamond Retreat. Photo: OXALIS

The infrastructure here is built by assembling natural, environmentally friendly materials. The paths in the area are designed as suspension bridges, helping to minimize the impact on the ecosystem. Blue Diamond Retreat also actively plants trees, participates in forest restoration projects and donates to environmental protection organizations.

According to Ms. Le Thi Hai Yen, Oxalis Training Director, Blue Diamond Retreat has implemented many measures to achieve the Net Zero goal. In addition to using solar power, this resort also focuses on reducing waste through measures such as composting, recycling and reuse.

When visiting Blue Diamond Retreat for sightseeing and relaxation, visitors are instructed on environmental protection principles, from waste classification, water saving to forest protection activities. Visitors are also encouraged to participate in tree planting.

Optimize energy efficiency

In addition to Blue Diamond Retreat, Oxalis also expands sustainable solutions, aiming for Net Zero with the entire system of tourism facilities that this business exploits and operates.

In particular, Chay Lap Farmstay Resort (Phuc Trach Commune, Bo Trach District) and Tu Lan Lodge System (Tan Hoa Commune, Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province) have started to deploy solar power systems. This helps reduce operating costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and bring a cleaner living environment for tourists as well as the local community.

Photo: OXALIS

Mr. Nguyen Chau A, General Director of Oxalis, affirmed that in addition to Blue Diamond Retreat, at the tourist areas operated by the company, environmental protection and CO2 emission reduction are always top priorities. The company not only implements initiatives to use renewable energy but also focuses on building, designing and operating tourism infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency and minimize negative impacts on the environment.

"Oxalis aims for tourism facilities to achieve net zero emissions by 2026 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. By 2030, the business aims to achieve Net Zero across the entire supply chain, by reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting the remaining carbon through environmental protection projects," Mr. A emphasized.

Determined to achieve Net Zero, Oxalis has developed a detailed action plan, from staff training; implementing and analyzing inventory reports to setting CO2 emission reduction targets. The greenhouse gas inventory process is supported by experts from Hong Kong - China and Singapore, ensuring accuracy and meeting international standards. This helps businesses assess their environmental impact and propose effective improvement measures.

Long term vision

Mr. Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Binh province, acknowledged that in the context of increasingly serious climate change, Oxalis is a pioneer in proactively applying solutions to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to environmental protection, showing a long-term vision when building Blue Diamond and other tourism facilities.

Mr. Ha assessed: "Tourist areas like Blue Diamond Retreat will become ideal models for green, sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Hopefully these models will be replicated in Quang Binh in particular and the whole country in general, at the same time promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry".

Source: https://nld.com.vn/du-lich-sinh-thai-net-zero-196250320212410576.htm