The project outlines a plan to develop 500 hectares for ecotourism at five locations within the reserve: the Administrative Service Center, Kon Chu Rang ecological experience point, Rung Tung Ecolodge resort, Hang En waterfall experience point, and Toc Tien - 5-tier waterfall experience point. Additionally, eight ecotourism routes, approximately 190 km long, will utilize existing patrol roads and trails.

Hang En waterfall - a popular experience point in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. Photo: Kim Thi

By 2030, Gia Lai province aims to welcome approximately 30,000 visitors annually, with international tourists accounting for at least 10%. Tourism revenue is projected to reach about 30 billion VND, attracting at least three investors to participate in tourism projects. Revenue from these activities is expected to help the reserve achieve self-sufficiency for about 30% of its forest protection and biodiversity conservation costs.

Looking ahead to 2045, visitor numbers are expected to increase to 150,000 annually, with revenue exceeding 225 billion VND. Income from forest environment leasing is projected to reach at least 4 billion VND, gradually enabling the reserve to fully self-finance its forest protection and biodiversity conservation efforts.

To implement the project, the province plans to mobilize over 342 billion VND, with approximately 295 billion VND sourced from private investment. Over 200 billion VND is required for phase 2026-2030, and the remaining funds will be invested during phase 2031-2045.

The project mandates that tourism activities must not harm the ecosystem and biodiversity. Structures should blend with the landscape, prioritizing environmentally friendly materials. Resort, entertainment activities, or forest environment leasing are prohibited in strictly protected zones.

The reserve will also develop a low-emission tourism model, prioritizing electric vehicles, renewable energy, and strengthening forest protection and wildlife rescue efforts.

Kon Ha Nung Plateau Biosphere Reserve, covering over 410,000 hectares, includes two core zones: Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. Photo: Kim Thi

Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve spans over 15,400 hectares in Son Lang commune. It is one of the Central Highlands' highly biodiverse special-use forests, part of the Kon Ha Nung Plateau World Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2021.

The reserve features extensive primary forest ecosystems and hundreds of rare animal and plant species, many of which are listed in Vietnam's Red Book. It is also famous for its waterfalls, streams, and natural landscapes, such as K50 (Hang En) waterfall and the 5-tier waterfall, along with numerous trekking routes that attract nature enthusiasts.

Kim Thi