HCMC vows to protect Can Gio environment amid development plans

Ho Chi Minh City will not sacrifice environmental protection for economic growth as it develops Can Gio into a center for maritime trade, logistics and tourism, city officials have said.

The coastal area is expected to play a growing role in the city's maritime economy, with plans for an international transshipment port, logistics facilities and tourism projects. Balancing development with mangrove conservation remains a key challenge.

Speaking at the 13th conference of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves (WNICBR) on Nov. 6, Bui Minh Thanh, vice chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, described the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve as a valuable natural asset. It helps protect biodiversity, regulate the climate, safeguard coastlines and sustain local livelihoods, he said.

Following its administrative expansion, HCMC covers more than 6,700 square kilometers and has a population of nearly 15 million. Thanh said the city's larger development area also brings greater responsibility for environmental protection.

HCMC aims to develop Can Gio into a green, smart and environmentally friendly coastal urban area while preserving its ecosystem and promoting ecotourism. The city will "not sacrifice the environment for economic growth," Thanh said.

Its three cooperation priorities are aligning urban development with nature, applying science, technology and green finance to conservation, and putting people and local communities at the center of sustainable development.

An aerial view of the area planned for the Can Gio–Vung Tau sea-crossing road. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Port and tourism projects drive development plans

Under its development plans through 2030, HCMC has identified the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, linked to a free trade zone, as a potential growth driver.

The proposed port would cover about 571 hectares and require nearly US$5 billion in investment. It is expected to expand international cargo transshipment capacity and support port services and logistics.

The city also plans to connect Can Gio with Vung Tau and Con Dao to develop a coastal and island tourism network. Other priorities include high-tech marine aquaculture, advanced seafood processing and product traceability.

By 2030, HCMC targets annual growth of 8% in marine aquaculture production value and 14% in coastal and island tourism revenue.

Experts call for conservation in development planning

Duong Thanh An, deputy director of the Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said coastal and island areas contain valuable ecosystems linking land and marine environments. Rapid development in these areas also creates complex management challenges.

He said environmental protection and natural resource conservation should be integrated into policymaking and spatial planning from the outset.

Experts said Can Gio's economic potential comes not only from its mangroves and ecological resources but also from their ability to support local livelihoods.

Ecotourism could provide development opportunities if residents participate in guiding visitors, providing services and developing local products. However, tourism growth should remain within the environmental carrying capacity of each area, experts said.

They also called for better waste management, measures to limit impacts on sensitive ecosystems, and funding for conservation through ecosystem services and carbon markets.

These approaches could support economic activity while protecting the area's natural resources.