The Coral Reef Masterpiece in Ganh Yen

In the dry sea season from April to July of the lunar calendar, the natural heritage of Ganh Yen (Quang Ngai) appears, exposing the colorful coral reefs.

0
377

The locals in the fishing community of Thanh Thuy village, Binh Hai commune, Binh Son district, Quang Ngai province, refer to the Ganh Yen natural heritage as a “sleeping princess” and it is situated 35 kilometers to the north of Quang Ngai city’s center.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

This region’s volcanic sedimentary rocks have been heaped and curled along the coast through millions of years of geological tectonics, resulting in an intriguing natural landscape.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

Experts estimate that the volcanoes in Ganh Yen first erupted about 5–6 million years ago, far earlier than the island district of Ly Son.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

Near the shore, several coral clusters blossom like cabbage jutting above the water’s surface during the beginning of the month or on the day of the full moon. Every year, from April to July of the lunar calendar, when the tide recedes, Ganh Yen appears as a “open-air coral reef” spreading across the water, forming a masterful image.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

In Ganh Yen, coral clumps bloom in shades of yellow like daisies. The Global Environment Fund, the United Nations Development Program, and the Small Project Grant Program in Vietnam are carrying out regional community sustainable development initiatives, according to Ngo Van Thinh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Hai Commune, Binh Son District.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

On the first day of the sixth lunar month, a group of reddish-brown corals protrudes above the water. International groups, according to Thinh, put a special emphasis on protecting the coral reefs in Ganh Yen and working to enable local populations to manage and maintain corals, preserve traditional knowledge and culture, and create sustainable livelihoods.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

The coral in this area’s natural heritage is covered in dense bunches of seagrapes.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

Black velvet corals grow like mushrooms in Ganh Yen.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

Vo Thanh Tung, Leader of Ganh Yen Coral Protection Group, Head of Thanh Thuy Village, Binh Hai Commune, said that two years ago, the sea here had many clusters of colorful corals on an area of ​​up to several hectares in the nearshore area.

The masterpiece of open-air coral reef in Ganh Yen
Photo: Zing

“Recently, due to climate change, people go diving, exploiting seaweed and tourists come to visit accidentally stepping on corals, so the area of ​​coral reefs in Ganh Yen has decreased significantly,” said Tung.

According to Ly Tho, vice chairman of the Binh Son District People’s Committee, the local tourism development plan includes the mural village in Tho An village, Binh An commune, and the 3D painting village in Ganh Yen, Thanh Thuy village, Binh Hai commune.

“We make a daring investment after determining that the Binh Son district has tourism potential and that this is also the Provincial Party Committee’s policy. This is another action. The obligation of the local government and the people themselves to serve tourists and, in the long term, the people themselves also benefit from investment results in tourism is necessary to provide a driving force for tourism development in the upcoming years “.

The Ganh Yen picturesque area is located along the coast of Thanh Thuy, Binh Hai commune, Binh Son district, Quang Ngai province. The numerous layers of volcanic sedimentary rocks that run along the coast and date back millions of years are what give this place its pristine beauty.

Each fresh coral patch is visible at low tide and sparkles in the setting sun, adding to the whimsical beauty. This location is compared to an aquarium on land. The number of tourists visiting Ganh Yen is steadily rising as a result of the stunning photos of the coral reefs’ untamed and enchanted nature going viral on social media.

Ollie Le Nguyen
Zing