The Con Son Islet Environmental Protection Project is part of a broader program initiated by Mekong Smile to improve the lives of residents in the Mekong Delta region. The people of the Mekong Delta (or “Miền Tây”), known for their simple and generous nature, have lived alongside this river for generations.
Development and Its Impact on the Mekong River
Local residents grow rice and cultivate fruit gardens on the fertile land enriched by the Mekong River’s alluvium. They rely on the river for irrigation, daily use, drinking, and cooking. The Mekong River has been intricately linked to their lives since time immemorial.
Industrialization has brought powerful transformations to the river. While tourism offers significant opportunities to clearly improve local livelihoods, these advantages come with harsh trade-offs. The living environment and a sense of peace are among the values that have been, and continue to be, gradually eroded.
Mekong Smile is a travel company with its roots in the Mekong. We were born and raised here, and our tourism services generate economic benefit for the region.
And for these vital reasons, we have implemented a project to protect and improve the lives of the Mekong people. Our initial efforts include the “One Dollar for Cai Rang Floating Market” initiative and the “Con Son Residents Reduce Plastic Use” project.
“The Environment and the Economy are the two top issues” – as quoted in VNEconomy.vn.
Con Son Islet Environmental Protection Project Details
Information regarding the Con Son Islet project sponsored by Mekong Smile:
The project was initiated by Ms. Lê Thị Bé Bảy and is officially named “Con Son Residents Reduce Plastic Use.”
Con Son is a small island situated in the middle of the river. The area has seen strong growth due to its orchard tourism initiatives. While the increasing number of tourists has led to noticeable improvements in residents’ lives, it has also resulted in a growing volume of plastic bags and plastic waste. With a growing and evolving environmental consciousness, the residents of Con Son Islet have joined hands to implement this important project!
You can learn more about the origins, history, and unique characteristics of Con Son Islet here: Son Islet Can Tho
The Eco-Friendly Initiative Cabinet at Con Son Islet
Mekong Smile sponsored the project with a large eco-friendly collection cabinet. When tourists visit Con Son, they are encouraged to deposit their plastic bottles and plastic bags there. Furthermore, Mekong Smile also sponsors woven baskets made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials that tourists can use as an alternative to plastic bags for carrying items.
Mekong Smile’s initial environmental protection plan aims to curb waste and foster sustainable habits among tourists. Furthermore, we intend to create additional income opportunities by encouraging the weaving of more eco-friendly and fashionable baskets for sale to visitors.
We are committed to developing further environmental protection and development plans that contribute to positive change and better living conditions for the people of the Mekong region.
Photos from the Cabinet Presentation Ceremony at Con Son Islet
- Con Son tour guide introducing the environmental protection cabinet
- Ms. Le Thi Be Bay – Project leader of Con Son residents reducing plastic bag use
- Plastic waste storage cabinet at Con Son donated by Mekong Smile
- Mekong Smile presenting the plastic waste storage cabinet to Con Son
