HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City’s 75.79-square-kilometre Con Dao special zone has emerged as a potential hub for sustainable development with its rich forest and marine ecosystems. Capitalising on its ecological wealth, Con Dao plans to develop a carbon trading model as a breakthrough step to deliver on the country’s commitments to greenhouse gas reduction.
Carbon reservoirs in the forest, sea
Con Dao's extraordinary natural wealth lies in its dual carbon storage systems. The zone's 6,462 hectares of forests and forestry land, with natural forests comprising 92.88% of the total area, hold nearly 430,000 tonnes of stored carbon. The marine component adds another 318.02 tonnes of oceanic carbon storage, plus approximately 15 tonnes from seagrass meadows.
Dr Pham Van Duan, Deputy Director of the Institute for Forest Ecology and Environment, emphasises the importance of comprehensive management of natural carbon reservoirs. He suggests utilising advanced technologies, such as drone surveillance and satellite monitoring systems, to identify violations and enhance management effectiveness.
Due attention should be paid to restoration projects like mangrove planting and coral reef rehabilitation, as they not only help increase the surface of the carbon reservoir but also contribute to coastal protection against erosion, as well as the creation of habitats for marine species. Con Dao should sharpen its focus on seagrass restoration, one of the planet’s most efficient carbon reservoirs.
In the long term, experts held that the special zone needs to study and apply a green financial model, calling for investment from international organisations and enterprises. Revenues from carbon credits could be reinvested in conservation, creating economic incentives for local communities. With its vast forests, Con Dao is well-placed to join voluntary carbon credit mechanisms.
Although marine carbon contributes a smaller share, it could be valuable to the "green carbon" portfolio if monitoring, reporting, and verification adhere to international standards and a rational legal framework.
Development potential
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Pham Hong Luong, said that Vietnam has made initial strides in carbon conversion. Carbon reserves and emission reduction potential in Con Dao are crucial for establishing a circular economy that promotes sustainable development.
Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of the Management Board of Con Dao National Park, emphasised that environmental conservation combined with tourism development can create a circular economic model that brings real benefits to residents. He stated that it is essential to develop eco-tourism options that focus on small-scale, carefully regulated activities. These activities could include forest exploration tours, coral diving expeditions, and programmes for observing sea turtle nesting.
The carbon market is a new model, requiring Con Dao to meet international standards, said Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology Luong Thi Le Hang. She underscored the significance of evaluating emission potential, which will provide a basis to build the model, helping to formalise the city’s green, sustainable and smart development.
With the harmonious combination of conservation, eco-tourism, and community participation, Con Dao could turn its potential into a strong driver for sustainable development. This not only protects its green lungs and blue carbon sinks but also reinforces Vietnam’s efforts in the fight against climate change, she added./.
