Eco-Tourism Project in Hong Ha Commune: A Case Study of Sustainable Community Initiatives in Vietnam
摘要
This chapter presents a case study of community-based ecotourism development in Hong Ha commune, a remote mountainous area in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Drawing on field surveys, interviews with local residents, government officials, and tourists, the study explores how ecotourism initiatives have contributed to local livelihoods, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. The chapter highlights the self-organised structure of the ecotourism program, the role of traditional community houses as social and cultural hubs, and the involvement of ethnic minorities in tourism activities. Despite its successes, the project faces several challenges, including limited infrastructure, environmental concerns, and a need for improved strategic planning. The findings offer insights into the potentials and limitations of grassroots ecotourism in rural Southeast Asia and provide recommendations for future improvement and policy support.