ROLES OF ECOTOURISM IN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IMPROVEMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION IN TAM GIANG LAGOON OF QUANG LOI COMMUNE, QUANG DIEN DISTRICT, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

Abstract

This study was conducted to reinforce that ecotourism in Quang Loi commune’s lagoon creates differences in income and lagoon resource protection from different beneficiary groups. The data were collected from secondary sources, three key informant interviews, and 62 households in three groups: tourism service, fishery, and aquaculture. The results reveal that ecotourism services in Quang Loi commune started in 2010 and have thrived since 2017, relying on the advantages of the local natural resources. The local community organizes and provides tourism services such as sightseeing on the lagoon, fishing experiences, dining and accommodation, and other services. By joining such services, labourers in ecotourism service households earn 39.07 million VND a year, significantly improving the household’s income. The ecotourism service households, therefore, have a higher income than the other groups (85.15 compared with 72.29 and 60 million VND). The lagoon environmental protection activities, such as lagoon night patrol, waste collection, and propaganda and advocating for lagoon environmental protection, receive more attention from the local community. Similarly, there is significantly longer participation of tourism service households in the above activities in comparison with the rest groups. The lagoon environment and resources are improved by residents. This result implies that ecotourism development is a suitable strategy for improving the local people's livelihood and protecting Tam Giang lagoon resources.