Phu Quy sets its sights on becoming a green special zone
More than 56 nautical miles from Vietnam's mainland, Phu Quy Special Zone remains an island of unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters and a tranquil way of life. For residents, protecting the environment is not only about preserving a valuable natural asset but also about laying the foundation for sustainable tourism. Therefore, safeguarding the island's greenery has become a shared responsibility of authorities, businesses, residents and visitors.
Joining forces to protect the island
Covering a natural area of about 18 sq km and home to more than 32,000 people, Phu Quy Special Zone is endowed with a rich marine ecosystem, scenic coastal landscapes and a distinctive island culture. These natural and cultural assets have laid the foundation for the island's ambition to develop green tourism, balancing economic growth with the conservation of natural resources.
In recent years, alongside investments in tourism infrastructure, local authorities have made environmental protection a key pillar of sustainable development. Beach clean-ups, waste collection campaigns and public awareness initiatives to reduce plastic waste are held regularly, helping foster a stronger environmental consciousness among residents and visitors alike.
One of the island's flagship initiatives is the "No Plastic Waste to the Island" campaign. According to the chairman of the Lam Dong Tourism Association, 12 businesses in the accommodation, food service, high-speed ferry and tourism sectors have pledged to minimise the use of single-use plastics by switching to environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper cups, glass bottles, paper bags, cloth bags and reusable products. These small but meaningful changes are helping build a greener tourism ecosystem and support the island's long-term sustainable development.
Joining the initiative, Superdong Phu Quy High-Speed Ferry JSC has committed to cutting single-use plastics, promoting reuse and recycling, and encouraging passengers to protect the environment from the moment they begin their journey to the island.
Visitors have also embraced the campaign. Nguyen Thi Thanh Dao, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said the island's unspoilt beauty was the main reason she chose Phu Quy as her destination. For her, refraining from bringing plastic waste to the island is not only about complying with local guidelines but also about preserving Phu Quy's natural beauty for future generations.
Le Hong Loi, Chairman of the Phu Quy Special Zone People's Committee, said every plastic bag or bottle left on the island could remain in the environment for decades - "Every plastic bag or bottle left on the island could remain in the environment for decades. But if everyone picks up a piece of litter, plants a tree or simply reminds others to keep the surroundings clean, Phu Quy will become greener every day. That will be a lasting gift to future generations."
Since early April 2026, a community outreach team under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phu Quy Special Zone has been visiting households across the island to promote the "No Plastic Waste" campaign. The initiative encourages residents to reduce plastic bag use, sort household waste and help maintain clean neighbourhoods. Many households have pledged to adopt these practices, contributing to a cleaner, greener and more welcoming island for both residents and visitors.
Building a green island brand
The island's environmental protection efforts are laying the groundwork for Phu Quy to establish itself as a green tourism destination. In 2026, the special zone aims to welcome around 173,000 visitors, underscoring the need to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Local authorities are working with businesses to improve service quality, enhance visitor safety and maintain cleanliness and preserve the landscapes at tourist attractions in line with the "green, clean and beautiful" standards.
The 2025 - 2030 Lam Dong Provincial Party Congress Resolution identifies the development of the marine economy as one of the province's strategic priorities, with Phu Quy designated as a key focal point.
Green tourism not only reduces environmental impacts and helps preserve natural and cultural resources, but also enhances the quality and competitiveness of destinations while promoting sustainable development.
Nguyen Lan Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Surrounded by the wide sea, Phu Quy's natural greenery is more than just its defining feature - it is the foundation of the island's sustainable future. Protecting that environment today also means strengthening Phu Quy's tourism brand for tomorrow, with the ambition of becoming a clean, welcoming and memorable destination.