Located by the Han River, the Dia Bao fishing village residential area (Nai Hien Dong ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city) used to be a resettlement area mainly for households from the “stilt house village” along the Han River before 2005, in line with the city’s policy. With support from the local government, these residents were relocated from dilapidated houses to new and clean apartments and residential areas.
According to the Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with the policy to reduce thousands of fishing vessels to prevent the depletion of aquatic resources, thousands of fishing vessels in Vietnam are decommissioned annually. These vessels are deregistered and recycled or destroyed according to regulations, ensuring no environmental pollution. Nai Hien Dong ward is just a few hundred meters away from Tho Quang, Da Nang’s largest fishing port, with numerous fishing vessels awaiting recycling. This prompted Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) to choose Nai Hien Dong ward, Son Tra district as the third destination on the HiGreen journey, inspired by and utilizing recycled materials from these aged fishing vessels.
From the stormy ocean, a boat is reborn as a playground
A vibrant and colorful playground made from recycled fishing boats, providing a fun and unique space for children to enjoy.
The “Blue Whale Boat” playground, made from recycled wood, offers a fun and eco-friendly space for children to enjoy.
Recycling waste is an environmental protection trend worldwide, but implementing this cycle demands collective effort and responsibility. While Da Nang has seen initiatives like cafes and workshops constructed from marine waste, recycled parks are a rarity.
The highlight for the fishing village residents and children is the “Blue Whale Boat” playground, modeled after a fishing boat, and games utilizing high-quality wood from decommissioned vessels. Through wood recycling, MB aims to encourage environmental awareness, especially among children, and create an inclusive and friendly play area. Native trees and mangrove apple trees are interspersed throughout the park, providing a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, the majestic mangrove apple tree symbolizes the resilient spirit of guarding the country’s frontiers in this windy and wavy region.
Spanning nearly 1,500 square meters, the park offers a recreational space for almost 1,000 residents and children. It is equipped with various facilities, including a multi-purpose court, badminton court, basketball practice area, and fitness equipment suitable for all ages and people with disabilities. The tree-lined sidewalks, benches, and modern lighting system create a refreshing and comfortable environment for the entire community.
The park offers a vibrant and inclusive space for the community, with a multi-purpose court and various fitness equipment for all ages.
The Vice Chairman of Nai Hien Dong Ward People’s Committee, Mr. Ho Tan Phuoc, proudly shared: “The park has a creative and environmentally friendly approach, preserving the cultural and traditional aspects associated with fishermen. Anyone can reminisce and envision memories of themselves, their parents, the fishing village, and their seaside hometown of Son Tra when visiting and experiencing the activities here.”
The Director of MB Da Nang, Mr. Tran Thanh Cao, expressed: “As MB Da Nang turns 20, we are materializing our green goals and visions, aligning our business operations with the community’s sustainable development.”
To date, the Hi Green Son Tra Community Eco-Park is the third project under the Hi Green – Green Dawn campaign initiated by MB, conveying a message of sustainable living and environmental and community care. Previously, MB handed over the Phuc Tan Eco-Park (Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) and the Cua Dai Community Eco-Park (Hoi An, Quang Nam). Hi Green Son Tra aims to create an ecological space that enhances the quality of life for the stilt house village residents who once lived in dilapidated houses. It also commemorates the 20th anniversary of MB Da Nang (2004 – 2024) and the 30th anniversary of MB (1994 – 2024).
From the Green Card to a Green Vision
The success of the Hi Green Son Tra Eco-Park is attributed to the contributions of the MB Hi Green Mastercard, a green banking card. This card is made from 100% recycled materials, and every transaction with the HiGreen card allocates 1% to environmental and social projects. Notably, during the peak period from May to June, to commemorate World Environment Day, MB increased the allocation rate from 1% to 5%, encouraging customers to embrace green living and sustainable consumption.
The MB Hi Green Mastercard, made from 100% recycled materials, contributes to environmental and social projects with every transaction.
Using the HiGreen card offers not only attractive discounts of up to 50% at green partners like Xanh SM, Coolmate, and Cocoon but also enables cardholders to actively protect the environment.
