Tourism potential under the mangrove forest

Over the years, mangrove forests and protective casuarina forests have always played a role in preventing waves, keeping sand, and protecting the lives of thousands of coastal households; at the same time, they are home to countless aquatic species. Not only that, this place also has the potential to build an attractive eco-tourism model.

Peaceful space in Da Loc mangrove forest.

Outdoor “air conditioning”

There is a strange “healing” place at the sea! It is not a beach with smooth white sand and of course there are no luxury hotels. The casuarina forest and mangrove forest in Da Loc commune (Hau Loc) “seduce” lovers with their inherent gentleness and tranquility. There is sun, wind and sand here, but the sun is gentle and not too hot, to pamper tired bodies that are looking for a little relaxation.

Taking advantage of the space under the canopy of the casuarina forest, local people open small cafes to meet the needs of relaxation and entertainment for guests of all ages. Called cafes, but here there is everything from tables, chairs, hammocks, mats... to pots, bowls, chopsticks,... even wifi, karaoke speakers and microphones. On hot summer days, this place is bustling from morning to late night, especially crowded on holidays or weekends. People come, not only to enjoy the fresh air, freely check-in with the scenery of the forest, sea... but also to rest, avoid the heat, gather with friends; children enjoy painting statues, riding electric cars...

I like to lie all day under the casuarina forest to listen to the wind, the waves singing, the casuarinas rustling, sometimes reading a few pages of a book, sometimes letting my eyes drift to watch flocks of birds flying towards the Diem Pho temple or the Mother Tom memorial house.

“I also live in Hau Loc, but there is no sea where I was born. This is the first time I know how people catch crabs and clams; it is also the first time my children have waded in the water to find snails and clams. We had wonderful moments of relaxation when we were immersed in the green space of the forest, enjoying the cool breeze from the sea. Eating dishes made from fish and shrimp is very normal, but when you catch, process and enjoy them on the spot, it feels much more interesting,” said Nguyen Van May, a native of Dai Loc commune, a visitor to Da Loc with his family.

Previously, the casuarina forest in Da Loc commune was also the place where unique scenes in the movie "Life is still beautiful" were filmed, which was broadcast on VTV1. This is also an ideal place for young people to organize and carry out events and fashion shows... On July 14, the fashion show "Riverland" by designer Nhat Thuc took place at the foot of the mangrove forest dike. The event attracted a large number of fashionistas from inside and outside the province to participate. Designer Nhat Thuc shared: "With the desire to organize a fashion show for children about the sea and islands, and at the same time promote the beautiful scenery of my hometown Hau Loc, I chose Da Loc forest because I found it suitable. Here, in addition to the beautiful scenery and cool air, there is also a large, flat area to design a stage and organize group games".

The villagers' big "rice pot"

Da Loc commune has 3 sides bordering the sea and river, is home to more than 9,000 people. With its special geographical location and terrain, this place is considered the storm "navel" of Hau Loc district in particular, Thanh Hoa province in general. Remember, storm No. 7 in 2005 broke most of the earthen dike system running along 3 coastal villages of the commune: Dong Tan, Dong Hai and Ninh Phu..., only more than 100m of dike remains inside the mangrove forest.

After the storm passed, everyone saw the role of the mangrove, barringtonia, and sonneratia forests at the foot of the dike. They are a "green shield" to prevent high tides, landslides, and seawater intrusion, and can reduce the risk of natural disasters. Therefore, after 1989, there were more areas of mangrove forests thanks to investment programs and projects of a number of non-governmental organizations. In no time, the wild lagoon and tidal flats offshore were covered in green with mangrove, barringtonia, and sonneratia trees. In the past 5 years alone, the people of Da Loc commune have planted and cared for 235 hectares of mangrove forests, bringing the total area of ​​mangrove forests in the commune to 452 hectares.

According to Mr. Vu Van Trung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Loc Commune, planting mangrove forests in Da Loc brings many benefits, from preserving natural coastal ecosystems, contributing to reducing the risk of natural disasters, to creating livelihoods for people. Every day, when the tide is low, hundreds of people go to the sea, hiding deep in the mangrove forests to catch crabs, clams, sardines, snails, etc. The economic value of these aquatic species is not high, but it is a source of livelihood for many poor households without stable jobs. The large area of ​​mangrove forests in the locality, along with suitable salinity, is considered an ideal place for snails, clams, crabs, mussels, etc. to reproduce and develop all year round. Thanks to that, people can exploit them all four seasons...

Since the mangrove forest was revived, Da Loc has changed a lot, from the lives of the people to the ecosystem here. In 2021, the Da Loc Commune Beekeeping Cooperative was established with 20 members. In March 2023, the mangrove honey product was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product of Thanh Hoa province. Up to now, the cooperative is raising more than 2,000 domestic bee colonies, supplying about 12 - 15 tons of mangrove nectar to the market each year. Mr. Trung shared: "The mangrove tree blooms from May to July, while the mangrove tree blooms all year round. In the commune, many families have escaped poverty and have a stable income from beekeeping when taking advantage of the huge flower source from the coastal mangrove forests."

The beauty and potential of the mangrove forest of Da Loc commune or not far away, the mangrove forest of Hai Loc commune is still like a rough gem, the more you explore, the more you feel the wildness and purity. It is known that the leaders of Da Loc commune are also looking to exploit the advantages of the casuarina forest, combining mangrove forests for eco-tourism. We believe that one day, the 6 coastal communes of Hau Loc district, together with the coastal localities of the province, will awaken the potential of marine eco-tourism, enriching the homeland.

Article and photos: Tang Thuy

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tiem-nang-du-lich-duoi-canh-rung-ngap-man-224164.htm