In partnership with the Ha Long Bay Management Board, Indochina Junk in Halong Bay (a partner company with Footprint) and Footprint Travel a project called For a Green Halong Bay was launched as a trial project in 2007. Managed by Indochina Junk and sponsored by Footprint, as well as Tropical Sails the project has become a model of community-based success and responsible tourism.

The project has taken place in Vung Vieng fishing village, where families live on the water in floating homes. The impacts on the communities and environments of Halong Bay are greatest at and around these floating villages.

The For a Green Halong Bay campaign was set up to encourage local people and nearby businesses to collect garbage and litter, thereby protecting the appearance and environment of Halong bay especially at the residential zones.

Tourists visiting Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay would take some time to step off the tourist junks, and meet with the people of the villages, taking part in a traditional row-boat tour. Proceeds from the tour would be given to each of the row-boat rowers, as well as the community to pay for village tours and garbage collection.

Today, the village is visibly cleaner, and the many of the residents of Vung Vieng are taking part in opportunities generated from tourism. Pearl farming has become very popular and displays of how it is oysters are grown, farmed, and harvested can be seen by tourists.

Footprint is extremely proud of the work that has been done in Vung Vieng, and the initiatives taken by the community itself. A great example of how tourism can benefit others!