Balancing development and nature on Phu Quoc
Balancing development and nature on Phu Quoc
In recent years, the economy of the southern province of Kien Giang’s Phu Quoc island has boomed thanks to a wave of tourism investment. As a pioneer investor in Phu Quoc eco-tourism, Ronan Le Bihan, CEO of Mango Bay Resort, talked with VIR’s Nam Phuong about the bright future of tourism on the island, as well as its need for nature preservation.
How has tourism changed Phu Quoc? As the island is slated to become a special economic zone, how will this help increase foreign investment in the tourism sector?
When I arrived at Phu Quoc ten years ago, the local economy was based on fishing. Tourism was still in the nascent stage of development. The island’s huge development over the last 10 years has changed the face of its economy, and Phu Quoc is experiencing a successful investment period. To me, it seems the surge in tourism investment is going to last for a few more years, as Phu Quoc is one of the best beach spots in Southeast Asia. The island has the potential to become the main attraction in the region. Phu Quoc becoming a special economic zone is the latest big change for investors. It should make it easier for local authorities and new investors to co-operate, and make sure development progresses sustainably. Many incentives are being applied, which should attract a great deal of foreign investors. Moreover, strong control over investment will ensure that Phu Quoc gets the kind of investment it needs.
What are obstacles towards foreign investment in the Phu Quoc tourism sector?
Many concerns remain for overseas investors at this point. Firstly, we are in urgent need of a waste treatment system, which will hopefully be opened next year. Furthermore, the licensing process is sometimes long and complicated, regular international flights to Phu Quoc have yet to be established, while local educational facilities remain substandard.
However, all in all, we must agree that a lot of improvements have already been made on the island in terms of infrastructure, roads, the international airport and electricity. The recent introduction of the visa waiver programme was also a plus. As a result, I am confident that more improvements are on the horizon.
There are worries that tourism may destroy the natural beauty of Phu Quoc. What is your opinion on this matter?
It’s true that the natural environment of Phu Quoc is now being spoiled at a worrying pace. Part of the problem is the lack of waste treatment systems on the island. Local authorities haven’t been quick to act on this problem. But I believe it is too easy to blame everything on the government. In fact, it is also the responsibility of each of us to do something to help with nature conservation. The way we behave can greatly improve the situation.
As you said, everyone should be responsible for preserving the nature of Phu Quoc. From your experience, how has Mango Bay implemented this goal?
At Mango Bay, we pay great attention to the environment and have been taking care of our land and wildlife for many years. As a sustainable resort, Mango Bay has strict policies in regards to garbage treatment, plastic and paper use, and electricity consumption.
For example, our construction materials include rammed earth and wood. No air conditioning is used in the resort and water is heated by solar energy. Paper and glass is recycled and used economically. We also organise a Clean-Up day with our staff every month to develop their ecological awareness.
Other notable activities include our collaboration with the non-profit organisation Wildlife At Risk since 2006, in which we provide support for their staff, introduce rare species into our grounds, and release endangered animals into the wild.
In 2016, we’ll develop a natural treatment system for waste water and implement a solar system at the resort during the summer. More activities are planned for the future, as we see ourselves as custodians of Phu Quoc’s tropical beauty and try to respect its nature as much as possible.
We really hope to spread that philosophy and encourage new investors on the island to join hands with us in our efforts to ensure a sustainable and ecological tourism environment.
