Coral reef ecosystems are described as an underwater forest, a habitat for marine species, which help keepmarine ecosystems in balance. A substantialdecrease in the number of coral reefs will result in severe loss of fish, due to alack of habitats in which to reproduce. If coral reefs fade away,the food sources of fish will beseverely degraded, potentially leading to the extinction of some species which have no place to liveand reproduce.

Nhon Hai is a peninsula commune in Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinhprovince that is blessed with many coral reefs and seaweed and seagrass carpets. The waters around the commune provide habitat for specific and high-value species, creating a precious source of biodiversity and a valuable landscape to develop tourism. However, anincrease in fishing activities near the reef, along with a spontaneous tourism industry that has increased the number of tourists diving to see corals (and at the same time damaging the reefs by dropping anchor and stepping on corals, as well as breaking corals for souvenirs) has resulted in the near-extinction of some of the reefs.

To develop sustainable ecotourism and to continue to enjoy long-term benefits from the coral reefs, the local people must be well aware of, and involved in, conservation efforts. The project "Management and conservation of coral reefs ecosystems associated with ecotourism development in Nhon Hai commune, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province” was introduced by the Binh Dinh Fisheries Association in order to meet these demands.