Volunteers collecting rubbish along the roads leading to Son Tra Peninsula. Photo: Thu Ha

One regular initiative, known as “Clean up Son Tra,” with the slogan “For a Green Son Tra”, has attracted many volunteers who gather litter along the roads leading up to the Son Tra Peninsula, as well as beaches and tourist spots. The volunteers also dive to remove underwater waste, including ghost nets, from coral reefs, to protect marine resources and the ecosystem.

According to Mr. Phan Minh Hai, Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang’s Tourism Beaches, the “Clean up Son Tra” initiative is held regularly to raise public awareness about environmental protection and natural ecosystem conservation when visiting the Son Tra Peninsula. This initiative also connects various clubs and groups, encouraging them to join hands in preserving and developing coral reefs and the marine ecosystem. The activities also spread the message of green living, calling on the community to help build Son Tra Peninsula into a green tourism destination.

In late August 2024, the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang’s Tourism Beaches worked with the municipal Youth Union, the Student Association, and the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports to organise a “Clean up Son Tra” event under the theme “Diving to Remove Waste, Saving Coral Reefs, and Cleaning the Environment on Son Tra Peninsula”. Nearly 200 students, volunteers, and members of swimming and diving clubs joined.

Volunteers cleaned the route leading up to the Son Tra Peninsula from the Hoang Sa - Le Van Luong intersection to the Dong Dinh Museum. Additionally, they collected waste and ghost nets from the coral reefs around Hon Sup. Experienced individuals guided the volunteers through warm-up exercises before diving, safety techniques, and methods for collecting underwater waste without damaging the coral reefs, including cutting and removing ghost nets.

Huynh Thi Thanh Ngan, a student from the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports, shared “Through this activity of collecting waste from the coral reefs, we gained a better understanding of the importance of coral reef conservation and marine environmental protection. I believe it’s essential to participate more in such meaningful activities and to spread the spirit for everyone to join in protecting the ecosystem and marine environment.”

As stated by Mr. Bui Dang Toan, Secretary of Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports’ Youth Union, surveys of Son Tra Peninsula and the coral reefs revealed that plastic waste is scattered, especially around the coral reefs, which affects the growth and regeneration of the underwater ecosystem. Da Nang is blessed with invaluable natural resources, so it’s crucial to join hands in preserving this natural heritage. The university has worked with relevant organisations to encourage students, particularly those from the Swimming Faculty, to participate in these waste collection activities. Before joining, the students receive training at the university. Only those who meet the required swimming, safety, and waste-collection skills are selected to take part in this meaningful initiative.

Mr. Phan Minh Hai emphasised that cleaning up waste on the Son Tra Peninsula and around the coral reefs is vital for maintaining, protecting, and developing the marine ecosystem, a precious natural resource for the growth of the marine economy and tourism.

“Through the 'Clean up Son Tra' initiative, we aim to send a message to young people not to litter and to work together with the city’s authorities to maintain environmental hygiene by collecting rubbish at tourist and recreational spots on the Son Tra Peninsula and its beaches, as well as protecting coral reefs. This will help preserve and promote the city’s valuable natural heritage while building a green, clean, and beautiful destination,” Mr. Phan Minh Hai urged.

Reporting by Hoang Hiep - Translating by Truc Vy