On July 1, the Cu Lao Ecological Agriculture and Community Tourism Cooperative—formerly known as the Cu Lao Dung Women Entrepreneurs Club—was officially launched in An Thanh Commune, marking an important milestone in the collective efforts of local women, community members, and partners to build sustainable livelihoods while preserving the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Mekong Delta.
The establishment of the Cooperative represents a new chapter in the community’s journey toward developing community-based tourism, ecological agriculture, and sustainable local livelihoods. At its heart is a shared commitment to promoting the distinctive identity of Cu Lao Dung while strengthening community participation in protecting the area’s valuable natural ecosystems.
From Community Initiatives to Collective Action
The Cooperative was inspired and supported by a series of preliminary activities organized and funded through the Women4Mangrove project. These activities provided local women and community members with opportunities to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and connections in sustainable tourism, ecosystem conservation, and livelihood development.
Key activities included:
- Training on community-based tourism and OCOP products at Con Son Island in February 2026, helping participants explore practical approaches to developing locally rooted tourism products and agricultural specialties.
- Capacity-building activities on ecosystem conservation and sustainable livelihood development based on community resources and indigenous values in March 2026, emphasizing the importance of linking environmental protection with economic opportunities for local communities.
- An exchange and hands-on learning event on experiential nature education in April 2026, providing participants with opportunities to explore innovative ways of connecting visitors with local nature, culture, and environmental conservation.
Together, these activities laid the foundation for stronger collaboration and collective action, ultimately contributing to the establishment of the Cooperative.
Empowering Local Women and Building a Sustainable Tourism Network
Founded by seven dedicated local women, the Cu Lao Ecological Agriculture and Community Tourism Cooperative is more than a platform for connecting tourism services and promoting local agricultural specialties.
The Cooperative carries a broader mission: to empower local communities, celebrate indigenous culture, protect natural ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for local people.
By bringing together local knowledge, agricultural resources, tourism services, and community-based initiatives, the Cooperative aims to create authentic experiences that reflect the unique character of Cu Lao Dung while ensuring that tourism development contributes meaningfully to the well-being of local residents.
Highlights from the Launch Event
The official launch brought together Cooperative members, local authorities, tourism partners, businesses, and community stakeholders who share a common vision for sustainable development in Cu Lao Dung.
One of the key highlights of the event was the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hai Au Can Tho Restaurant, Hotel & Tourism Co., Ltd. The partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in tourism development and create new opportunities to connect local tourism products and services with broader tourism networks.
The event also highlighted the strong potential for collaboration across the island. More than 10 neighboring businesses and tourism facilities expressed their commitment to joining forces, creating a foundation for a more interconnected and resilient community-based tourism network.
This growing network of collaboration is expected to help local stakeholders work together to develop integrated tourism experiences, promote local agricultural products, and encourage visitors to explore Cu Lao Dung’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and community life.
The event was also an opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation for the unity, commitment, and shared ambition demonstrated by Cooperative members, partners, tourism service providers, local businesses, and community stakeholders.
Towards Authentic Tourism and a Green Transition
With a clear vision and a strong spirit of collaboration, the Cu Lao Ecological Agriculture and Community Tourism Cooperative is committed to creating authentic, community-centered tourism experiences that reflect the unique identity of Cu Lao Dung.
The Cooperative aims to contribute to:
- Improving local livelihoods and living standards;
- Creating sustainable economic opportunities for women and community members;
- Promoting local agricultural products and indigenous cultural values;
- Strengthening ecosystem conservation and environmental awareness;
- Developing responsible and community-based tourism;
- Building stronger connections among local businesses, tourism providers, and community stakeholders; and
- Supporting a meaningful green transition in the local community.
The journey toward sustainable development is a long one, but the launch of the Cooperative demonstrates what can be achieved when local communities, women leaders, authorities, businesses, and development partners come together around a shared vision.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the local authorities, partners, businesses, tourism facilities, Cooperative members, and the wider community for their continued support, trust, and commitment. Together, we look forward to building lasting value for Cu Lao Dung—where sustainable livelihoods, cultural heritage, community empowerment, and nature conservation can grow hand in hand.
👉 Read more about the Cooperative’s launch event in the Can Tho Newspaper, shared in the comments section below.
Learn More
🌐 GEDSI Mekong: https://gedsimekong.org
🌐 Women4Mangrove: https://women4mangrove.com
📘 Facebook: Women4Mangrove
💼 LinkedIn: Women4Mangrove
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