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Visiting sea turtle nesting grounds is one of the forms of marine ecotourism that Binh Dinh province is particularly interested in and is focusing on developing. This is considered part of the task of planning the conservation area for sea turtle nesting grounds, while also closely linking it with tourism development in the communes.
According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010, Binh Dinh province has turtle nesting grounds distributed in several coastal communes and islands, with Nhon Hai commune having two locations: Hai Giang beach and Hon Kho beach. However, since 2021, a new nesting ground has appeared on the beach in front of the commune's residential area.
Visiting sea turtle nesting grounds is one of the forms of marine ecotourism that Binh Dinh province is particularly interested in.
In less than half a month, two instances of sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs occurred on the beach in front of the residential area of Nhon Hai commune. On the night of May 21st, a mother turtle came ashore and laid 103 eggs. Then, on the night of June 2nd, another mother turtle came ashore and laid an additional 102 eggs. It is known that immediately after the turtles laid their eggs, local authorities deployed security forces to protect the nests until they successfully hatched.
Both mother turtles are roughly the same size, measuring approximately 0.94 meters in length, 0.86 meters in shell width, and estimated to weigh over 90 kg. These are green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention prohibiting international trade and transport.
The appearance of a new sea turtle nesting site on the beach in front of the residential area of Nhon Hai commune (Quy Nhon city) is a positive sign indicating that the marine environment in this area is improving and gradually becoming a suitable habitat for sea turtles.
The appearance of a new sea turtle nesting site on the beach is a positive sign.
In particular, the successful preservation of sea turtle nesting grounds is a significant achievement, not only helping to maintain marine resources but also contributing positively to the development of community tourism in the locality. This enhancement not only protects the environment and preserves rare animal species but also affirms the role of the community in protecting and sustainably developing marine resources and marine tourism.
According to the People's Committee of Nhon Hai commune, the locality is currently developing five types of tourism products: marine ecotourism; cultural experience tourism; recreational and sports tourism; culinary tourism; and shopping and night tourism. Among these, marine ecotourism includes activities such as snorkeling to admire coral reefs; viewing mossy rock formations, seaweed fields, and turtle nesting grounds; the sea-crossing road; visiting the North and South cliffs and Hon Kho island; swimming; and sightseeing.
