First enterprise signs forest environment lease contract for ecotourism project in Dong Nai

On the morning of January 13, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve (the Reserve) held a signing ceremony for a contract leasing the forest environment for ecotourism, resort, and recreational business activities at the Ho Sen tourist site, located in the Ba Hao Lake area of the Reserve in Tri An commune.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, attended the ceremony and delivered a keynote address. Also present were leaders of several provincial departments, agencies, and local authorities, as well as representatives of tourism enterprises and investors.

The signing ceremony of the forest environment lease contract at the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve on the morning of January 13. Photo: Ngoc Lien

This initiative is the first tourism project in a series of destinations planned under the Ecotourism, Resort, and Recreation Development Scheme for the Reserve, which was approved by the Provincial People's Committee in late 2023. As part of the scheme, the Reserve signed a forest environment lease agreement with Viet An Investment, Trade and Education Joint Stock Company, headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, for tourism business purposes.

Nguyen Que Anh, Standing Deputy General Director of Viet An Investment, Trade and Education Joint Stock Company, stated that the Ho Sen ecotourism and resort project has a total estimated investment of nearly 193 billion VND and will span over 17 hectares. The project aims to become a trend-leading resort destination focused on sustainable development. It has been researched and designed to minimize environmental impact through the integration of new technologies, innovative design solutions, and standard ecological principles. This ecotourism and resort project also incorporates proactive healthcare services. It is expected to be completed and operational by early 2028.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, presents flowers to congratulate the participating units at the signing ceremony. Photo: Ngoc Lien

In her directive remarks at the ceremony, Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, acknowledged and highly appreciated the proactiveness and seriousness of the Reserve, as well as provincial departments, sectors, and local authorities, in developing the project plan and organizing the selection of investors. She also praised the responsible coordination among the relevant agencies. The province welcomed the investor and expressed expectations that the project would be implemented with a strong sense of responsibility, long-term commitment, and in strict accordance with pledged undertakings, thereby delivering high-quality ecotourism products.

To ensure the effective and practical implementation of the contract, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang requested that relevant departments, sectors, and local authorities strengthen coordination and provide timely guidance to help resolve difficulties and obstacles, thereby facilitating the investor’s project implementation in accordance with legal regulations. She also called for support in appraising related procedures, including environmental impact assessments, fire prevention and fighting requirements, and the issuance of construction permits for the tourism project. She further urged the Reserve to continue upholding its role as the forest management unit, closely coordinating with competent agencies, and creating the most favorable conditions for the investor to implement the tourism project soon, in compliance with regulations, thereby ensuring a harmonious balance between tourism development and forest protection.

The Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee requested Viet An Investment, Trade and Education Joint Stock Company to fully implement all provisions of the signed agreement. She urged the company to accelerate the project’s progress in developing high-quality, professional ecotourism products that serve both domestic and international visitors. At the same time, the investor was required to strictly comply with legal regulations on forestry, environmental protection, conservation of ecological landscapes, and the preservation of cultural and historical values.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho