Protecting fisheries resources is safeguarding current and future generations

A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by Minister Le Minh Hoan, visited Bich Dam Island in Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa province on the morning of December 8. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Tran Hoa Nam, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, representatives from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF-SGP), the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), and the leadership of Khanh Hoa provincial departments.

Upon arriving at Bich Dam Island by boat, Minister Le Minh Hoan was warmly welcomed by the local fishermen community. During the visit, the Minister inquired about the daily lives and activities of the island's fishermen, explored the landscape and historical sites such as the Bich Dam Pagoda, which houses the royal edicts from the Nguyen Dynasty. Subsequently, he engaged in a dialogue with the local fishing community to discuss effective fisheries management and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for fishermen.

To begin the dialogue, Minister Le Minh Hoan posed a profound question: "Why is Vietnam struggling with hardship and poverty?" He emphasized that this issue will require contribution from every Vietnamese citizen, including the local fishing community, in addition to the governmental leadership.

Minister Hoan refered to a thought-provoking proverb: "If you are born into poverty, it is not your fault; however, if you pass away in poverty, it becomes your responsibility."

The Minister also shared a parable involving a wealthy individual and a less affluent person, illustrating that both the rich and the poor share common physical attributes and intellectual capacities, as well as an emotional mind.

Nevertheless, the Minister refrained from commenting on this story, expressing a desire to move beyond historical accounts and focus on the future.

Standing on the island overlooking the Bich Dam area, Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed his hope that the local fleet of fishing vessels would be decorated with vibrant images of fish, squid, and coral in the near future. Consequently, local residents may find new employment opportunities as tour guides aboard these vessels, introducing the local beauty to both domestic and foreign tourists.

In response to local concerns regarding the challenges of current fishing practices and the plan to develop fishing activities further into the sea, Minister Hoan emphasized that the focus on catching marine fish and shrimp can potentially lead to conflicts among fishermen, due to a high level of competition over same resources. However, fishing grounds are gradually depleting, and the environment is incapable of replenishing itself.

During the dialogue session, he consistently reminded the fishermen of Bich Dam that protecting fisheries resources is safeguarding current and future generations.

The Minister also highlighted the under-utilized local resources such as the history, culture, and landscape of Bich Dam Island. These enduring elements can be exploited by future generations with appropriate care and nurture. The Minister hopes that this prospect will help change the mindset of the local community.

"The change must begin with the local people. If the community is determined to change, they will always receive encouragement and support. Conversely, if the fishermen only wish to acquire funds to purchase vessels for offshore fishing, progress will be constrained," emphasized the Minister. He further stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will coordinate with the provincial leadership and departments to position Bich Dam prominently in the strategic framework for green and sustainable development. This concerted effort aims to assist the local community in creating a renewed image.

The Minister also remarked that the sale of fish will gradually lead to their depletion. Conversely, the preservation of fish for tourists will generate considerable value. With the evolution of the fishing profession from an economic trade to an entertainment pursuit, there is growing global interest in destinations which offer unique and valuable experiences with nature. 

The Minister reiterated his desire for both the local community and government to undergo transformative change. He also emphasized the unexplored potentials and hidden values within the region. Following the conclusion of this dialogue session, he revealed plans to revisit Bich Dam Island in the foreseeable future.

On this occasion, Minister Le Minh Hoan presented 20 gift packages, consisting of essential provisions and books, to the fishermen of Bich Dam Island.

As part of the schedule, Minister Le Minh Hoan participated in a roundtable dialogue focusing on "Advancing collective management for a sustainable and responsible fishing industry in Vietnam" with the local fishermen on the afternoon of December 8.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, National Coordinator for the Global Environment Fund, stated that within the plan to restore Nha Trang Bay, there are tasks to create sustainable livelihoods for the residents of Hon Mun Bay.

According to Ms. Huyen, the project was approved three months prior, and is currently implementing activities in collaboration with the people of Bich Dam. In the near future, a local dialogue will be organized to determine people's livelihoods based on existing cultural, social, and environmental foundations. Furthermore, participants will discuss to determine local capacities and the support necessary to carry out specific activities.

Most notably, Nha Trang University has sent its students to study in the area. Subsequently, the Global Environment Fund will collaborate with the Khanh Hoa Tourism Association to design experiential tours on Bich Dam Island, with the aim of developing tourism activities to be key products of Khanh Hoa province.