In his presentation at the closing ceremony, Vietnamese ornithologist Nguyen Hoai Bao highlighted the important role of ecotourism in promoting socio-economic development.

He pointed out that ecotourism offers local communities stable income opportunities through guiding services, accommodation, cuisine, and the sale of handicrafts and agricultural products.

As the founder of Wildtour, a pioneering organisation in wildlife birdwatching tourism in Vietnam, Hoai Bao shared how ecotourism contributes directly to environmental conservation by generating direct funding for ecosystem and biodiversity protection, while raising community awareness about resource preservation.

He emphasised that responsible tourism activities also allow visitors to experience and learn about nature, alongside preserving, honouring, and promoting the traditional cultural identity of local communities.

The ornithologist expressed Vietnam’s readiness to share its experience in developing green, responsible tourism that is rooted in nature and culture, involving strong community participation, with the global ecotourism community. These efforts aim to support sustainable development, he said.

Earlier, in her remarks at a cordial reception for the Vietnamese delegation, Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, Middle East and Oceania Tatiana Pugh Moreno stated that the first World Birdwatching Congress is not only a gathering place for nature enthusiasts but also a forum for countries to share their aspirations to turn biological resources into a driving force for green development.

She praised Vietnam’s active participation as a sign of its dynamic role in the global effort to conserve nature and promote sustainable tourism.

At the reception, Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My affirmed that Vietnam is proud to be part of this international forum, where nations join hands to preserve humanity’s natural heritage.

With nearly 1,000 bird species and rich ecosystems, Vietnam considers ecotourism linked with biodiversity conservation as a sustainable development pathway.

The Ambassador expressed hope to expand cooperation with Venezuela and other South American nations, so tourism can become not only a journey of discovery but also a bridge of friendship and a shared commitment to a greener planet.

Endangered migratory bird species found in Binh Dinh

Five black-faced spoonbills migrating from Northeast Asia were discovered in the Tra O Lagoon in Phu My, the central province of Binh Dinh after a survey conducted by the environmental protection sub-department under the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment.