Ta Lai commune determined to become a “green destination”

Nestled within the vast and scenic Cat Tien National Park, Ta Lai commune is awakening new “spring-board” driven by its natural potential, identity, and aspirations for growth. For the 2025-2030 term, the Commune Party Committee has set a central goal to transform Ta Lai into a typical “green destination” of Dong Nai province.

Ta Lai bridge - a project that opens the door to local connectivity and economic development. Photo: Dang Hung

Building a resolution based on agricultural and tourism potential

As it embarks on a new term, the Party Committee of Ta Lai commune has swiftly implemented the Resolution of the Commune Party Congress, identifying agriculture and tourism as the two key pillars for local socio-economic development. The commune has boldly launched a program to upgrade and reinforce its irrigation system to ensure efficient water distribution. Over 50 kilometers of concreted in-field canals have helped stabilize irrigation and boost crop productivity.

“With reinforced canals, water reaches the fields quickly with minimal loss. We can now grow three stable crops a year, and yields are consistently good,” shared Ka Eu, a farmer in Ta Lai commune.

Once a remote area isolated by poor transportation system, Ta Lai has undergone a dramatic transformation, thanks to comprehensive infrastructure investments. Trinh Van Luan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Ta Lai commune, affirmed: “Ta Lai’s progress is not just reflected in new roads and bridges, but also in the collective will and determination of our entire Party organization, government, and people.”

Leveraging its natural advantages and rich indigenous culture, Ta Lai is focusing on developing sustainable ecotourism and community-based tourism, where ethnic minority residents are no longer “laborers” for the tourism industry, but true stakeholders in the value chain. “Tourists don’t just come here to relax - they come to experience what it’s like to live a day as a local.”

“Visitors don’t just come here to relax, they come to experience a day in the life of a local. We teach them how to make bamboo-tube rice, grill meat, weave backpacks, work on the farm, and listen to traditional folklore. Our people not only earn income, but also feel proud that their culture is being shared.” proudly shared Ka Tuyen, founder of the Ta Lai Eco Lodge community ecotourism project

Towards a “green destination” future

At the 2025-2030 Party Congress of Ta Lai commune, the vision of building a "green destination" was identified as a strategic goal, fully aligned with the commune’s sustainable development plans. This is also Ta Lai's long-term commitment to forest conservation, cultural preservation, and the promotion of indigenous values within its socio-economic development.

With support from provincial authorities and natural conservation organizations both at home and abroad, Ta Lai commune is gradually building an exemplary   model of green tourism, where nature is protected, culture is honoured, and local people are placed at the center of development. According to Trinh Van Luan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Ta Lai commune, the goal of “greening” the destination has been translated into clear steps.

“Ta Lai’s development strategy emphasizes sustainability by encouraging homestay services, organizing trekking tours to explore waterfalls and lakes, and promoting visits to the national park. Everything is built around the philosophy of respect, preservation, and sharing. We want visitors not only to come and explore Ta Lai, but to become ambassadors who help spread awareness about green living.” Luan stated

While embracing its traditional identity, Ta Lai has chosen not to stand still but to pursue a development path without trade-offs, a sustainable journey centered on both people and nature.

Ta Lai’s sustainable development approach has garnered recognition of many international organizations. After visiting this beautiful region, Susan Santos de Cardenas, Southeast Asia representative of Green Destinations, said: “Ta Lai is one of typical examples for the future of tourism, where local people are involved, nature is protected, and cultural identity is preserved.”

It was a great honor for the Ta Lai commune when recently, Ka Tuyen, founder of the Ta Lai Eco Lodge community ecotourism project and a proud daughter of the Ta Lai homeland, was awarded the 2025 Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Award by the International Center for Responsible Tourism - Southeast Asia (ICRT-SEA).

From the orientation outlined in the Commune Party Congress Resolution to tangible actions within the community, Ta Lai continues to write its development story through its own internal strength and a strong belief in a "greening" path. In a world facing increasing environmental pressures, Ta Lai’s journey stands as a truly valuable example, demonstrating that development and conservation can indeed go hand in hand when driven by determination and concrete solutions.

By Hung Cat – Translated by Hong Van, Thu Ha