Joining Hands for a Greener Mui Ne
Beyond helping protect the living environment, the strong support and active participation of Mui Ne residents through practical actions are gradually contributing to the image of a greener, cleaner, more attractive and friendlier destination. From small initiatives in coastal residential areas to programs launched by local authorities, the spirit of proactively working with local authorities to protect the environment is becoming part of everyday life, helping Mui Ne build an image befitting its status as a national tourism destination.
It Starts with a Clean Coastal Road
At first light, the seawall in Ham Tien 2 Quarter, Mui Ne Ward, comes alive with voices and laughter. Some residents sweep, others collect rubbish, while some clear different sections of the road. Before long, the coastal route is clean and open again.
This has become a familiar routine for members of the Green Living Club since 2022. At first, they simply worked together to clean a small stretch of road by the sea so they would have a tidy place for morning exercise. By maintaining the activity once or twice a month, they have helped keep more than 500 meters of coastal road green and clean.
Nguyen Van Thai, head of the Green Living Club, said more than half of its members are elderly, with some over 70. “People often think of old age as a time to stay at home, help their children look after the grandchildren and rest. But through a very small action, we have chosen to live happily, stay healthy and remain useful, while spreading a community-minded way of life. Fortunately, persistence has paid off. Our activities have had a positive impact on nearby residents, and even tourists staying in the area have joined us.”
According to Nguyen Chi Cuong, head of Ham Tien 2 Quarter, these practical activities and the visible results of a greener, cleaner residential environment have helped raise community awareness of marine environmental protection and civilized urban lifestyles. As a result, public support within the neighborhood has continued to grow. Today, all 379 households, with nearly 1,900 residents, actively take part in campaigns promoting civilized living, physical fitness, environmental protection and public security.
A cleaner stretch of seawall not only provides a better living environment for local residents but also helps create a greener, cleaner coastal landscape in an area that welcomes large numbers of visitors every day.
Building Greener Habits
On weekends, groups of women arrive at collection points carrying plastic bottles, drink cans and used batteries that have already been sorted and neatly bundled at home. Under the “Waste for Gifts” program organized by the Mui Ne Ward Women's Union, participants can exchange every 20 empty cans for a gift such as a plastic shopping basket, food storage container, plant or environmentally friendly bag.
The gifts may be modest in value, but the program is helping families develop the habit of sorting waste at source. Recyclable waste collected through the program is also sold to raise funds to support disadvantaged members or finance activities organized by grassroots Women's Union chapters. Phan Thi Luu, a resident of Thien An Quarter, said: “I think this is a very practical activity. It not only helps protect the environment but also allows families to receive useful gifts.”
According to Le Thi Thu Hai, Chairwoman of the Mui Ne Ward Women's Union, encouraging waste sorting at source and promoting a civilized, environmentally friendly lifestyle are among the union's key priorities. In addition to the “Waste for Gifts” program, grassroots chapters have introduced a range of initiatives tailored to the conditions of individual residential areas, including “Clean Homes, Clean Alleys, Clean Environment” and flower-lined road projects. “We hope to spread the message more widely that protecting the environment is not something distant or complicated. It starts with how each of us handles household waste every day,” Hai said.
Protecting the Environment, Protecting the Destination's Image
With around 30 km of coastline and a concentration of accommodation facilities, Mui Ne is considered a core area of the national tourism zone and has major advantages in marine tourism and the blue economy. The locality therefore identifies the development of trade and services alongside environmental protection and social welfare as one of its key priorities.
Tran Hai Anh, Vice Chairman of the Mui Ne Ward People's Committee, said that in addition to community-based initiatives, many tourist sites, resorts and coastal service establishments regularly carry out environmental cleanups, beach cleanups and landscape maintenance. Some of these activities have also attracted strong participation from visitors, particularly international tourists. The growing community-wide movement to keep the ward clean is proving increasingly effective, he said.
For a tourism city, the environment is also part of the destination's image. A clean street, a green beach, a tidy residential area or well-maintained rows of trees can all help create a positive impression on visitors and enhance the quality of their experience.
When small actions are sustained over time, the benefits go beyond cleaner streets and more attractive beaches. They also contribute to a better living environment and help make Mui Ne a friendlier, more civilized and more memorable destination for visitors.