ECOViP, a project financed by the European Commission and coordinated by Nha Trang University, was launched on July 11, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in ecotourism, promoting sustainable development in Vietnam and the Philippines, VNA reported.

Attending were representatives of 11 partner units. Vietnamese universities include Nha Trang University, Can Tho University, and Thai Nguyen University of Science. Meanwhile, international schools include the University of San Carlos, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lyceum University Philippines - Batangas (the Philippines); University of Portucalense (Portugal); FH Joanneum University (Austria); University of Alicante (Spain).

Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Tourism (Vietnam); Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (Philippines) also participates in the project.

An overview of the launching ceremony of the project. Photo: VNA

Trang Si Trung, the rector of Nha Trang University, said the project intends to develop entrepreneurial and innovation capacities for sustainable development in tourism in Vietnam and the Philippines.

It will devise a roadmap for the improvement of tourism-related training programs in collaboration with the business sector to increase the employability of students after graduating, he said, adding that ECOViP offers an opportunity for the university to gradually establish cooperative relationships with partners around the world.

Through the project, the partners hope to contribute to the development of the Vietnam – Philippines sustainable tourism industry as well as the conservation of the natural environment.

It will be carried out from May 2023 to May 2026, targeting specific goals such as setting up six ecotourism spaces in Vietnam and the Philippines to develop students’ initiatives to promote ecotourism and intersection start-up projects.

Up to 400 students, 200 lecturers, 150 officials, and 30 leaders and managers will be trained in entrepreneurship and ecotourism.

Trang Si Trung, Rector of Nha Trang University, speaks at the event. Photo: VNA

Three competitions and seminars on tourism startups will be held in both countries. An overview report on the ecotourism situation in Vietnam and the Philippines, along with recommendations on ecotourism policy will also be published.

The project kick-off will last from now until July 14, with seminars to exchange ideas and field visits to the ecotourism situation in Khanh Hoa province.

According to the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, Vietnam currently has 33 national parks, 57 nature reserves, 13 habitat conservation areas, 53 landscape protection zones, and 9 biosphere reserves. Among them, 61 national parks and nature reserves organize ecotourism activities.

Vietnam is ranked as the 16th most biodiversity-rich country in the world with a variety of natural ecosystems, species, and endemic genetic resources.

The system of special-use forests and protected areas in Vietnam is diverse in natural value and cultural tourism resources, facilitating the development of ecotourism. Ethnic minorities living in the buffer zones of the nature reserves with their unique features also attract the attention of tourists, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Ecotourism activities have brought many positive results in terms of preserving natural ecosystems, preserving and enhancing cultural values, increasing incomes for local communities as well as raising awareness of the community and visitors about conservation efforts.

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